NPA leader yields in Zamboanga Norte

A New People’s Army (NPA) leader surrendered to military authorities in Gutalac town, Zamboanga del Norte

By Hirohito Cadion  

February 27, 2019, 7:39 pm Share

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel leader has surrendered to military authorities in the Zamboanga del Norte town of Gutalac, officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Leon Onggao, the newly-installed commander of the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion, identified the NPA rebel surrenderer only as a certain Ian, a team leader.

Onggao said Ian, who turned over a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, surrendered at around 7 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Sas, Gutalac.

“Ian is frustrated and disappointed with the terrorist group (NPA) leadership because of the unfulfilled promises for a monthly salary of PHP7,000 and weekly support of PHP4,000 for his family just to join their ranks,” Onggao said.

He said Ian and other combatants were deceived by NPA commanders that they will be killed by government forces if they decide to surrender.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said they expect more NPA rebels to surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Gaerlan said E-CLIP provides the former rebels the opportunity to start a new life and live peacefully as productive citizens together with their families.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has called on the remaining NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law and “join the concerned stakeholders in addressing our issues peacefully.”

Ancan, who is also the Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of 

Navy Vessel rescue 7 crew of sinking Motor Launch boat in Tawi - Tawi

PAGADIANCIITY (Feb, 26, 2019) - Philippine Navy vessel under Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi, Naval Forces Western Mindanao successfully rescued 7 crew of sinking Motor Launch (M/L) boat at sea waters of Tawi-Tawi on February 25, 2019.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Commander Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina disclosed that the Philippine Navy Vessel involved during the rescue of the crew of Motor Launch boat was PC387.

 Medina identified the rescued crew was aboard a Motor Launch boat as M/L JOMONG.

Medina said that prior the conduct of rescue operations, while PC387 was conducting maritime patrol en route to Lamion Wharf, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, one unidentified sinking banca with scattered lumber at the vicinity was spotted. PC387 immediately manuevered to the direction of the ill-fated banca and conducted rescue operations to the crew and recovery of its cargoes.

Subsequently, PC387 towed M/L JOMONG to Bongao Tawi - Tawi Pier and was turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Station central, Tawi - Tawi for proper disposition.

Initial inquiry revealed that the said M/L was boarded with 7 male crew who were from Tausug and Badjao Tribe. The cause of incident was due to engine failure and because of the unfavourable sea condition with huge waves hitting the side of the said M/L that caused damage to its hull. Its place of origin was at Bongao Tawi-Tawi and its destination was at Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi with the purpose of transporting good lumber. The cargoes on board was 5,000 board feet of good lumber with an estimated worth of Php150,000.00. Further the estimated worth of the said M/L is Php300,000.00.

The successful rescue of the crew of M/L JOMONG is a result of intensified maritime patrol and operations of the Philippine Navy. Through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, the Philippine Navy will remain vigilant in its area of operations for a secured and safe Western Mindanao maritime environment, Medina added. (By JONG CADION with PAO PR and photos)

Zamboanga Sibugay to embark on yellow corn production

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government is set to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for corn production with a Chinese firm engage in manufacturing of feeds.

Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma on Thursday said the MOA aims to ensure market access for local corn farmers while assuring the Chinese firm steady supply of yellow corn.

Palma said the company needs steady stocks of yellow corn since it is exporting the feeds it produces to supply the huge swine and poultry industries in China.

He said the MOA will also include technology transfer to boost production of the corn farmers of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Provincial Administrator Edwin Zapanta will spearhead a team of agricultural technicians to visit the demo farm of the Chinese firm in Bukidnon for transfer of technology, the governor said.

Palma said the province of Zamboanga Sibugay has more than 40,000 hectares area planted with corn.

“We wanted to plant all the areas using the new technology to increase yellow corn production,” Palma said. (PNA)

DA 9 strengthens mechanization in Tambulig Zambo Sur

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 22, 2019) - The Upper Tiparak Farmers Service Provider Association (UTFSPA) President Mr. Tilo Abanil expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for the one unit farm Tractor with its complete accessories at Purok 5, Upper Tiparak, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur, recently.

Mr. Abanil said that this farm tractor will be a great contribution in expanding their operation for enhancing their rice production, and reduce harvest losses. He urged his members and the farm facility operators to observe diligence and care in handling and operating the machinery.

“Farm mechanization is the best solution in agriculture now because we have less farmers in the field. Since food and agriculture are essential, the best we can do is to invest in mechanization. We are very grateful to DA for providing not only extension support and training but also the agricultural mechanization technologies to our farmers.” said Tambulig Municipal Mayor Protacio Aleman, during the turnover and blessing ceremony.

The ceremonial turnover of the four-wheel drive tractor (4WD) and its accessories costs Php880,000.00 funded under the DA - Rice Commodity Program. The 4WD tractor is engine - driven with a 30hp power rating. It has a field capacity of 2.5 hectares per day and a fuel consumption of 6 to 12 liters per hour. It has attached rotary tiller and a trailer and requires only one person to operate.   

Also present during the turnover ceremony were officers and members of the UTFSPA, officials of the Tambulig Local Government Unit (LGU) to show support and gather in thanksgiving. 

The DA Region 9 Director Dr. Dennis H. Palabrica were represented by Rice program staff Maximino de Jose and Arlyne P. Ordiz during the turned-over. (By JONG CADION with PR and photo from ICabeguin/DA9)     

Maute group sub-leader yields to military in Lanao

By Hirohito Cadion 

February 20, 2019, 4:58 pm Share

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- A sub-leader of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group has surrendered to military authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the Maute group sub-leader surrenderer as Aloyodan Bantak alias Ibrahim Bantak, who surrendered around 10 a.m. Tuesday in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur.

Villanueva said the surrender of Bantak was facilitated by the local government unit of Lumba Bayabao. Bantak turned over a caliber 5.56 milimeter sniper rifle, two grenade launchers, and ammunition.

“Our initial debriefing found out that he was involved in November 2016 Butig Siege and he is the recruiter of the group of Owaida Marohombsar alias Abu Dar,” Villanueva said.

Bantak’s surrender came a day after three Maute group members surrendered to the military in Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur.

The surrender of the three, who turned over one M2 Carbine rifle with ammunition, was witnessed by Mayor Jamel Kurangking of Sultan Dumalondong.

Col. Romeo Brawner, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, reiterated the military's commitment to stamp out remnants of the Maute group that was responsible for the five-month siege of Marawi last year.

“Our efforts will be continuous against the Daesh-inspired Maute terrorists in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive community,” Brawner said. (PNA)

NPA rebel killed and recovered firearm in Misamis Occidental clash

By Hirohito Cadion  February 18, 2019, 5:35 pm Share

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Feb. 18, 2019) --A New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed in a clash with government forces in the Misamis Occidental town of Aloran, military officials said Monday.

Lt. Col. John Andrada, the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight broke out around 9:40 a.m. Monday as the troops were checking the reported presence of NPA communist terrorists, who were recruiting young people and extorting money from the residents.

Andrada said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes before the NPAs--some of them believed to have been wounded--fled.

He said the troops recovered from the clash site an AK-47 rifle with ammunition and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, expressed sympathy to the family and relatives of the slain NPA member, whose identity was not released.

“It is very tragic that he has taken arms against the people of Misamis Occidental when only through peace, development and social justice can be achieved,” Ancan said.

Meanwhile, Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has called on the remaining NPAs in the province to lay down their arms peacefully.

The United States has already declared the NPA and Abu Sayyaf Group as terrorist organizations. (PNA)

PRO9 CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY

   

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Feb. 15, 2019) – PNP members of the Police Regional Office 9 and Zamboanga City Police Station 5 celebrates the Valentine’s Day by distributing heart shape balloons and serenading the female commuters and passengers of Integrated Bus Terminal in Barangay Divisoria, Zamboanga City on February 14, 2019.

Police Chief Superintendent Edwin S De Ocampo, Deputy Regional Director for Administrations, led the activity dubbed “Harana ng mga Pulis sa Araw ng mga Puso” held at the Integrated Bus Terminal.

“Itong activity natin this morning ay initiative ng ating regional director na si PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup para mai- parating sa atin mga tao ang kahalagahan ng special na araw na ‘to na araw ng mga puso,” he said.

“Nagpapasalamat kami na kahit sa ganitong maliit na paraan ay nakapag bigay kami ng kasiyahan sa mga pasahero sa araw ng mga puso,” he added.

After receiving heart shape balloons and piece of chocolate, the Integrated Bus Terminal commuters thanked the PNP officers with a smile.

Meanwhile, PNP personnel of Provincial Police Offices, Zamboanga City Police Office and Isabela City Police Station also went out from their respective offices and celebrates the valentine’s day by distributing flowers and serenading their respective constituents at the places of converges, such as; airport, seaport, bus terminals and among others. (By BONG CADION with PRO9 PIOPR and photos)

PRO9 Holds Criminal Justice System Forum

     

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 13, 10`9) - The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) has conducted criminal justice system forum at PRO9 Conference Room, Camp Col. Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on February 12, 2019 participated by five (5) criminal justice system pillars representative, provincial directors, city director of ZCPO, chief of police of ICPS and their respective chief of investigation and detection management.     

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director said that the aim of the forum is to improve the rate conviction of drug cases in the whole region by enhancing capability of operating units and investigative skills of PNP in the field.

The Regional Director added that the pillars of criminal justice system, namely law enforcement, prosecution, court and community must collaborate closely to a mere efficient and effective delivery of public safety services.

PSSUPT Albert C Larubis, Chief of Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, presented on the updates on dismissed illegal drug cases wherein some of the main reasons in the dismissal of the drug cases were mentioned in the lectures of Judge Shaldilyn D Bangsaja, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 33, Zamboanga City. She discussed on the important sections of RA 9165 and mandatory policy lay down in the case of Romy Lim.

Atty Sharon May Sales-Belisario, Assistant City Prosecutor, discussed on the DOJ guidelines on plea bargaining in drug cases while Atty. Jacquelyn L De Guzman, Regional Director of PDEA9, discussed the insights on the war on drugs.

On the other hand, PSSUPT Albert C Larubis, Chief of Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, presented on the updates on dismissed illegal drug cases.  

This forum will be replicated in the different provincial police offices and city police offices in the region. (By JOHG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and photos)

PRO9 Units Passed the Performance Audit

      

PAGADIAAN CITY (Feb. 13. 2019) – Three (3) Police Provincial Offices, two (2) City Polices and Public Safety Forces of the Police Regional Office 9 successfully passed the proficiency evaluation process performance audit for the proficiency stage of the Performance Governance System (PGS) after being evaluated by the PRO9 Interim Audit Team from January 22-28, 2019 at the different Police Provincial Offices /City Polices in Zamboanga Peninsula. 

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director said that the proficiency evaluation process performance audit for the 3rd stage of PGS aimed at transforming the Philippine National Police (PNP) nationwide into a more capable, effective and credible police agency.

PSSUPT Christopher C Birung, Regional Chief Directorial Staff of PRO9 and team leader of PRO9 Audit team that evaluated the overall performance of, Zamboanga Del Norte Police Office, Zamboanga Del Sur Police Office, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office and Isabela City Police Office, stressed out that the presentation of the above-mentioned police units during the inspection was impressive and remarkable.

On the other hand, PSSUPT Narciso B Verdadero, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, the designated team leader of PRO9 Audit team B, said that the Zamboanga City Police Office and Mobile Forces Battalion passed the performance audit.  

The PRO9 Audit Team conducted focused group discussions, interviews and self-assessment survey of the said police units’ strategic readiness and reviewed its 2015 accomplishments.

Actively present during the performance audit are the respective provincial directors, chiefs of police, chairman and vice-chairman of the different Provincial Advisory ouncils of Police Provincial Offices, City Advisory Councils of Zamboanga City Police Office and Isabela City Police Office.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Advisory Councils of PPOs and City Advisory Councils of City Polices underscored the crucial role of the advisory council as they always be committed to advise and assist the respective police units by pinpointing where they can improve in order to be more effective in the deliverance of the service to the community. (By JOHG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and photos)

PRO9 Completes Proficiency Evaluation Process (PEP) Audit

    

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 13, 2019) - The Police Provincial Offices and City Polices of the Police Regional Office 9 has completed the performance audit for the proficiency stage of the Performance Governance System (PGS) after it has been evaluated by Proficiency Evaluation Process by PRO9 Interim Audit Team headed by PSSUPT Christopher C Birung from January 22-28, 2019 at the different Police Provincial Offices /City Polices in Zamboanga Peninsula. 

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director said that the performance audit for the 3rd stage of PGS aimed at transforming the Philippine National Police (PNP) nationwide into a more capable, effective and credible police agency.

In a report made by PSSUPT Christopher C Birung, Regional Chief Directorial Staff of PRO9 and team leader of PRO9 Audit team, the overall performance of Zamboanga City Police Office, Zamboanga Del Norte Police Office, Zamboanga Del Sur Police Office, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office and Isabela City Police Office presented during the 5-days inspection was impressive and remarkable.

PSSUPT Birung stressed out that after the Regional Audit Team from PRO9 conducted focused group discussions, interviews and self-assessment survey of the said police units’ strategic readiness and reviewed its 2015 accomplishments, the said police units successfully passed the performance audit.

Actively present during the performance audit are chairman and vice-chairman of the different Provincial Advisory Councils of Police Provincial Offices, City Advisory Councils of Zamboanga City Police Office and Isabela City Police Office.

The Provincial Advisory Councils of PPOs and City Advisory Councils of City Polices underscored the crucial role of the advisory council as they always be committed to advise and assist the respective police units by pinpointing where they can improve in order to be more effective in the deliverance of the service to the community.

The Police Regional Office 9 is currently on the Institutionalization Stage of Performance Governance System (PGS), the 4th and final stage of PGS P.A.T.R.O.L PLAN 2030 last third stage of the Performance Governance System (PGS).

The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) is a Performance Governance System (PGS) proficient “Silver Eagle Award” after it has received conferment at the National Headquarters, Camp Crame, Quezon City last March 26, 2018. The PRO9 garnered a rating of 94.08 per cent for satisfactorily completing the mandatory requirement for the third stage of the PGS. (By JOHG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and photos)

PRO-9 Units, who Busted 6 Million worth of Shabu and Provide Security to BOL Plebiscite, Cited

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 13, 2019) - The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) has awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Merit Medal) to seven (7) uniformed personnel of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal) to six (6) uniformed personnel of Isabela City Police Station and RMFB9 during the Monday Flag-raising ceremony held at PRO-9 Parade Ground, Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on February 11, 2019.

Awarded were:

Chief Inspector Elmer P Solon,

PO3 Yusop Ismael and

PO3 Chandee Piccio, all assigned at Zamboanga City Police Station 11, ZCPO. They were cited for the arrest of three (3) drug personalities identified as Ismael Nassal, Sadan Jailani and Rajan Jumaani during the Anti-illegal drugs operation inside the Jimmy Satti Pilar St., Zamboanga City on January 4, 2019.  Recovered items were 911.152 grams of shabu with street value of Php6,995,833.6; buy bust money and other drugs paraphernalia.

On the other hand, Chief Inspector Gaspar Gadingan, SPO1 Bensar Elhano, PO2 Jay Jose and PO2 Alexander Delos Reyes, all from the Drugs Enforcement Unit of Zamboanga City Police Station 11, ZCPO, who were cited for the arrest of drug suspect identified as Al-Caff Jikiril during drug - buy bust operation at RT Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City on December 11, 2018. Recovered items were 51 grams of Shabu with market value of Php 346, 800.00, one unit Bonggo truck color red and marked money.

Superintendent William Gadayan, Senior Inspector Benjemar Ajibon and PO3 Arvin Jamaluddin, all from Isabela City Police Station, Senior Inspector Richmond Candido, PO3 Gajer Halkin and PO1 Jerham Anig, all from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, cited for the commendable accomplishment rendered in providing security coverage which resulted in a peaceful plebiscite of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in Isabela City and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, respectively on January 17-24, 2019.   

PCSUPT Edwin S De Ocampo, Deputy Regional Director for Administration congratulated the awardees for their exemplary performance and for a job well done. PCSUPT De Ocampo have brought honor and prestige, worthy of praise and emulation by their peers in particular and the entire PNP. (By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR with photos)

Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Operation Intercept Human Trafficking

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 12, 2019) – Operating units of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) in coordination with other law enforcement agencies conducted Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Operation and successfully intercepted a Motor Launch (M/L) engaged in Human Trafficking at sea waters of Zamboanga City on February 11, 2019.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina disclosed that the Joint Maritime Law Enforcement operating units involved during the apprehension of the said Motor Launch were Philippine Navy vessel (BA486), Naval Special Operation Unit - 6 (NAVSOU-6), Naval Intelligence and Security Group - Western Mindanao, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, CDSWM, CGIG-SWM, DSWD 9, DOJ and PCTC.

Medina identified the intercepted Motor Launch as M/L MONEZA, boarded with Traffic in Person (TIP).

During the conduct of Joint Maritime Law Enforcement operation, BA486 with NAVSOU-6 boarded and cleared M/L MONEZA and embarked CGIG-SWM, DSWD 9, DOJ and PCTC personnel for further interrogation of the TIPs. Initial interrogation reveals that the M/L is boarded with 20 TIPs.

Subsequently, BA486 and boat units of CDSWM escorted M/L MONEZA to Zamboanga City Pier for proper disposition.

 The successful foiling of Human Trafficking is a result of Joint Maritime Law Enforcement operations of the Philippine Navy and partner agencies. The Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and partners will continue to deter any unlawful activities in its area of operations for a secured Western Mindanao maritime environment. (By JONG CADION with NFWM PAO PR and photos)

Is the world ready to face a nuclear war? No. So let’s ban the bomb

The Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital was severely damaged in the atomic bomb explosion in August 1945. Its staff---many of whom were injured---continued to perform their medical duty for the survivors. Seven decades on, the hospital continues to attend to the needs of thousands of people still suffering from ailments caused by radiation from the blast. ©Japanese Red Cross Society

Geneva (ICRC-IFRC) – Seventy-four years after nuclear weapons obliterated the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the risk that nuclear weapons will again be used is growing. Far from taking steps to fulfil their long-standing nuclear disarmament obligations, nuclear-armed States are today upgrading their arsenals, developing new kinds of nuclear weapons and making them easier to use. And military incidents involving nuclear and nuclear-allied States are occurring with alarming frequency.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply concerned about a worrying erosion of the nuclear disarmament and arms control framework. Recent decisions contribute to a worrying trend toward a new nuclear arms race and, consequently, an increased risk of nuclear weapons use. The ICRC calls on concerned States and those in a position to influence them to reverse this distressing trend. 

To stem the rising tide of nuclear risks in world politics, the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are today launching a global campaign. The video campaign aims to draw further attention of the public to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of a nuclear war, and ultimately encourage people to urge their governments to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 

Watch the campaign video here: https://youtu.be/Yr5yh1O5mnA

Visit the campaign page here: https://www.icrc.org/en/nuclear-ban-treaty-no-to-nukes

The public is invited to sign up and learn more about the campaign here: notonukes.org

“Any risk of nuclear weapons use is unacceptable. The Treaty represents a beacon of hope and an essential measure to reduce the risk of a nuclear catastrophe,” said ICRC President Peter Maurer.

Seventy countries have so far signed the TPNW, while 21 have ratified or otherwise acceded to the Treaty.

“In many countries, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are working with governments, national parliaments and civil society to facilitate rapid accession to the Treaty. We will continue working with our network to advocate for a world without nuclear weapons. Nothing could prepare the world for the horrors of a nuclear war. After 74 years, we still haven’t learnt the lesson of suffering, devastation and death of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” said IFRC President Francesco Rocca.

“Citizens, parliaments and civil society all have a crucial role to play in efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons use. At this moment of growing international tension, I call on everyone to act with urgency and determination to bring the era of nuclear weapons to an end,” said Mr. Maurer.  

Nuclear weapons are the most devastating and destructive weapons ever invented. The Japanese Red Cross and the ICRC witnessed this first-hand in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, as they tried to bring relief to the dying and injured. The nuclear blasts killed tens of thousands of people, destroying medical facilities, and leaving behind appalling conditions for survivors. To this day, Japanese Red Cross hospitals continue to treat victims of cancer, including leukemia, attributable to radiation from the 1945 atomic blasts.

The well-documented evidence of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons casts significant doubt on whether these weapons could ever be used in accordance with international humanitarian law. On this basis, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has consistently called for nuclear weapons never to be used again and for their complete prohibition and elimination.

ASG member surrenders to Military in Sulu

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 12, 2019) - The continuous conduct of focused military operations and implementation of Martial law in Mindanao by the Military particularly the Fleet-Marine troops resulted to the surrender of an ASG member on February 10, 2019 at Panamao, Sulu, military official said.

 Naval Forces Western Mindanao Coander Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina disclosed that the Fleet-Marine units involved during the successful surrender of the ASG member were Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu under Col. Armel S Tolato PN (M) (MNSA), composed of Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 led by Lt. Col. Ramil DC Holgado PN (M), and Intelligence units of PMRF Sulu, Military Intelligence Division 2, Marine Battalion landing Team 1, Naval Intelligence and Security Unit 61, in coordination with the Brgy officials of Bulangsih and local officials of Panamao, Sulu.

Medina identified the ASG surrenderee was as Basari Sali, 60 years old, his one Garand rifle firearm without ammunition was also recovered from the surrenderee.

Medina said that Basari Sali is under the group of ASG Leader Radulan Sahiron. He was received by Lt. Col.  Hilario C De Vera Jr PN (M) (GSC), Deputy Cmdr, PMRF Sulu and was subsequently brought to KHTB hospital for medical check-up prior turn over to Headquarters Joint Task Force Sulu (HJTFS) 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 surrender of said ASG member and recovery of loose firearm. With this accomplishment, the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Adm. Rene V Medina AFP commended the troops for another job well done.

The Philippine Navy thru the Naval Forces Western Mindanao will continue its stand to deny and end the presence of lawless terrorist groups in its area of operation. (By JONG CADION with NFWM PAO PR with photos)