ILIGAN CITY -- Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrendered to the military in Sulu on Monday morning, Feb. 6.
Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio identified the ASG members who surrendered as Hadjang, 50, and Nadz, 20.
The Two ASG men submitted themselves to the 6th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Harold Nemeño at the 6SFBn Headquarters in Sitio Maglibak, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu.
They also turned over one M16 Elisco rifle and one cal. 45 pistol.
On the same day, Nemeño subsequently presented the former violent extremists and their firearms to Col. Taharudin Ampatuan, Acting Brigade Commander, at the headquarters of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.
The 1103rd Brigade provided initial financial and food assistance to the two former ASG members.
Western Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said they attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of Joint Task Force Sulu, the provincial government of Sulu, partners, stakeholders and the peace-loving people of Sulu.
"The employment of the whole-of-nation approach has brought our campaign against terrorism to a greater height,” said Galido.
“Rest assured that we will continue to intensify our efforts to bring lasting peace and progress in Sulu and the rest of the provinces in our area of operation,” added Galido.