ILIGAN CITY – Four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrendered to the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Lamitan City, Basilan, Saturday, July 16.
They handed over M1 Garand rifles and one Carbine.
The former violent extremists said that they surrendered because they want to live a peaceful life with their families away from danger.
They also said that they were encouraged to lay down their arms after learning that their former colleagues are already undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway attributed their successful surrender to the collaborative efforts of the 18th IB and police units in Al-Barka, Tuburan, and Tipo-Tipo, Basilan where the surrenderers reside.
JTF-Basilan reported that 22 ASG members have surrendered in the province since the year started, bringing the number of surrenderers to 85 in the different JTFs of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command so far this year.
Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said they will not rest until the last terrorist will be neutralized either peacefully or forcefully.
“We will also continue to process former rebels and violent extremists (FRs and FVEs), in partnership with other government units, for their rehabilitation and reintegration programs," he said.
Rosario said that one of the reasons for the continuing surrender of ASG members in Basilan is the massive implementation of projects by the provincial government that brought livelihood opportunities.