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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romero, ARRAPI officers facilitate surrender of 3 ex-Abu Sayyaf backers

Romero, ARRAPI officers facilitate surrender of 3 ex-Abu Sayyaf backers

Published Aug 2, 2026 03:56 pm

At A Glance

  • Former House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero and ARRAPI facilitated the voluntary surrender of three ex-Abu Sayyaf supporters in Basilan, along with 18 high-powered firearms.
  • The individuals were formally turned over to the 1101st Infantry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Frederick Sales, reinforcing peace and reintegration efforts in the province.
  • The initiative, backed by military and civilian leaders, highlights a unified push to encourage more armed group supporters to surrender and advance lasting peace and development in Basilan.
Reservist General and former House Deputy Speaker Michael “Mikee” Romero (3rd from left) pose with the three surrenderees (Contributed photo)
Reservist General and former House Deputy Speaker Michael “Mikee” Romero (3rd from left) pose with the three surrenderees (Contributed photo)


Reservist General and former House Deputy Speaker Michael “Mikee” Romero, together with officers of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI), facilitated the voluntary surrender of three former supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan.
The trio surrendered with 18 high-powered firearms, including six M16 rifles, three M2 carbine rifles, three M1 Garand rifles, two 60mm grenade launchers, and four .45 handguns.
The development was seen as another milestone in the government’s campaign to promote lasting peace and security in the province.
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.
Under his command, the brigade has strengthened peace and security efforts across Basilan. Supporters of the brigade’s initiatives regard General 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.
According to reports, the surrendering individuals reached out through the ARRAPI network in Basilan and Zamboanga, expressing their desire to renounce their former affiliations, clear their names, and return to peaceful civilian life.
They sought the assistance of Romero, a former three-term 1-Pacman Party-list congressman; and ARRAPI to facilitate their voluntary surrender.
Following negotiations led by General Romero, Colonel Vlad Mata, and Colonel Meliton Agpaoa, the three individuals agreed to surrender peacefully and were formally presented to Sales for processing under the government’s peace and reintegration program.
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, Basilan People’s Governor Mujiv Hataman, and Tuburan Mayor Durie Kallahal, a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader.
This demonstrated the unified commitment of military and civilian leaders to peace and stability in Basilan.
The successful surrender highlights the continuing partnership among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 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.

Related Tags

Mikee Romero Abu Sayyaf Group ASG
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