ILIGAN CITY -- Five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group abandoned their armed struggle and submitted themselves to the military in Sulu on June 5, 2022.
The 45th Infantry Battalion under the 1103rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the surrender of the former violent extremists
The feat was the result of the collaborative efforts of the 45th Infantry Battalion under 1103rd Infantry Brigade, together with the Municipal Police Station and the local government of Patikul.
Those who surrendered were identified as Bennajir, 24, an ASG member under Hajan Sawadjaan and Mudsrimar Sawadjaan from 2015 to 2022; Monib, 24, an ASG member under Basaron Arok and Radullan Sahiron from 2019 to 2022; Abdurahsi, 48, an ASG member under Abdul Moin Sahiron from 2001 to 2011; Rudy, 36, and a member of the ASG under Abdul Moin Sahiron from 1999 to 2008; and Sattari, 33, an ASG member under Salip Salamuddin from 2007 to 2009.
The former violent extremists handed over one M16A1 rifle, two M1 Garand rifles, and one cal. 45 pistol. They were subsequently presented to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu at the 45IB headquarters in Barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said the influx of surrender of former rebels and violent extremists is attributed to good governance and the unwavering support of the peace-loving people of Sulu.
For the first two quarters of 2022, 44 former ASG members surrendered to the military units under the JTF Sulu.