Another batch of ASG members surrenders to Military in Sulu

Photo Courtesy from NFWM-PAO

By Jong Cadion

Surrendered of ASG members

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 12. 2018) – Because of the continuous conduct and focused of military operations following the implementation of Martial law in Mindanao by the Military particularly the Fleet-Marine troops, these resulted to the surrender of Abu-Sayyaf Group (ASG) members on May 10, 2018 at Kalingalan Caluang in Sulu province, Militay Official said.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM)-Public Affairs Officer Ensign Jesca May P Viduya PN disclosed that the Fleet-Marine units involved during the successful surrender of these ASG members with the participation of Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu under Col. Armel S. Tolato PN (M) (MNSA), composed of Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 led by LtCol. Ramil DC Holgado PN (M).  

Also involved in the operations are the Intelligence units of PMRF Sulu, Military Intelligence Division 2, Marine Battalion landing Team 1, Naval Intelligence and Security Unit 61, Naval Intelligence and Security Group-WM, 52^nd SAC and 5^th SAB of the Philippine National Police, Public Affairs Officer said.

The surrendered ASG were identified as Berham Lutian alias Vietnam, an ASG Sub Leader; Abdulsalam Ajul alias Rambo; Simal Sali and Alvin Alibasa.

The surrendered ASG also turned-over their firearms to the military officials are the following;

-One M16A1 with

-One short plastic magazine,

-10 pcs 5.56mm ammos and

-One M79.

Ensign Viduya added that an Hours after the surrender, another ASG member identified as Ahmajir Ahmad alias Abu Darda possessing M16A1 rifle also surrendered to the said military troops. The said ASG member was fetched at Brgy Ipil, Maimbung, Sulu and brought to Headquarters MBLT 3 at Brgy Seit Poblacion, Panamao, Sulu to merge with the previous surrenderees.

Later in the afternoon of the same day, a program aboard MBLT3 Multi-Purpose Hall was conducted for the turnover of the said ASG members. During the program Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Mayor Peping Halum and Lt. Col Holgado also distributed sacks of rice and assorted groceries to each surrenderees as support, She said.

After the turn over, the said ASG members underwent initial medical check-up and initial custodial debriefing by MBLT 3 prior to their transport at Camp Bautista Station Hospital, KHTB, Brgy Bus Bus, Jolo, Sulu for further medical check-up and subsequent turn over to PMRF-Sulu for proper disposition.

The intensive efforts and dedication to duty of the government troops particularly the Fleet-Marine Forces in Sulu had led to the mass surrender of ASG members and recovery of numerous numbers of loose and high-powered firearms. With this accomplishment, NFWM Commander Rear Adm. Rene V Medina commend the troops for another job well done.

The AFP will continue its stand to deny and end the presence of lawless terrorist groups in the country, NFWM Commander said.