The notorious Abu Sayaff Group is starting to weaken tremendously with the rising number of rebels surrendering and going back to the folds of the government, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said Friday, August 5.
In a news briefing in Malacañang, Abalos admitted having a few more Abu Sayaff Groups (ASG) present but noted that the biggest batch of rebel returnees in recent weeks is a testament to the weakening power of the terrorist organization.
On July 30, Abalos led the formal surrender and accepptance of 100 former violent extremists (FVE) from ASG in a ceremony held in Patikul, Sulu.
“Today is truly a historic day. Itong araw na ito ang simula ng inyong bagong buhay, kayo ay may pagkakataon na muling maging produktibong kabahagi ng bansa (This day will be the start of your new life, you have the chance to be productive members of the society again),’’ Abalos said during the rites.
In the ceremony, Abalos thanked the former rebels for laying down their arms and trusting the government’s assurance for giving them the opportunity to be productive members of the community.
In a related development, the national government distributed almost P14 million worth of cash and livelihood assistance to 50 New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels on August 4 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Abalos assured those who surrendered that they will not regret their decision as the government will support them in turning a new leaf in their lives.
He led the oath of allegiance of 50 former combatants from NPA and Militia Bayan (MB) who swore to leave the communist armed rebellion and turn a new leaf as peaceful and productive Filipino citizens.
During the ceremony, a total of 183 surrendered firearms were demilitarized with 160 coming from Bukidnon province, five from Lanao del Norte, six from Misamis Oriental and 12 from Cagayan de Oro City.
“Sa pamumuno ng ating Pangulong (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos (Jr.), mayroon kayong gobyernong hindi lamang nakikinig sa inyong problema, kundi gumagawa din ng aksyon. At kung magkakasama tayo sa pag-papatupad ng mga programang ito, hindi tayo magkakamali (Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, you have a government that will not only listen to your problems but will act on your concerns. And if we join in enforcing this program, we will not go wrong),’’ Abalos said during the ceremony.
With the improving peace and order situation, Abalos described Sulu, one of the areas formerly known as the hotbed of terrorists, as a "beautiful place whose fertile soil boosts the province’s agriculture sector that would enhance economic progress."
Abalos hopes that the surrender of the terrotists and rebels will continue to unfold a development viewed as not far off from reality with an invitation coming in his way this week for another batch of surrenderers.