3 Abu Sayyaf Group Supporters Surrender with Firearms in Basilan

ISABELA, Basilan — Three supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to government authorities after a series of negotiations to avail themselves of the government’s reintegration program and return to peaceful civilian life. In a statement, the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. (ARRAPI), which facilitated the talks, said the surrenderees also turned over 18 high-powered firearms. Brig. Gen. Michael “Mikee” Romero, along with officials of ARRAPI, said the surrender of three ASG supporters marked another milestone in the government’s massive campaign to promote lasting peace and security in the province. The surrendered firearms included six M16 rifles, three M2 carbine rifles, three M1 Garand rifles, two 60mm grenade launchers, and four .45-caliber handguns. The former ASG supporters and the recovered firearms were formally turned over to the 1101st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army under the leadership of Brigadier General Frederick Sales for processing under the government’s peace and reintegration program. Apart from Gen. Romero, other members of the negotiation group were Colonel Vlad Mata, Colonel Meliton Agpaoa, and Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman. The backchannel negotiation started when the surrenderees sought the help of ARRAPI through its network in Basilan and Zamboanga, expressing their desire to renounce their former affiliations, clear their names, and return to peaceful civilian life. Supporters of the brigade’s initiatives regard Gen. Sales as a backbone of peace and reconciliation in the province for leading efforts that encourage the surrender and reintegration of former Abu Sayyaf supporters. The turnover ceremony was attended by Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Deputy Commander Brigadier General Aldrin Annani, Task Force Orion–WestMinCom Commander Brigadier General Adriano Duadico, WestMinCom Engineering Brigade Commander Brigadier General Enyong Hernandez, Tuburan Mayor Durie Kallahal, a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader and Hataman. The successful surrender highlights the continuing partnership among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, WestMinCom, ARRAPI, local government officials, and community leaders in advancing peace, security, and development. Officials said the initiative reflects the shared goal of encouraging more members and supporters of armed groups to surrender peacefully, surrender their weapons, and reintegrate into society, with the ultimate objective of making Basilan free from Abu Sayyaf rebels and terrorist influence, paving the way for lasting peace and sustainable development for future generations. (Contributed story)