Twenty members of Abu Sayyaf Group surrender to the government troops

By Jong Cadion

Pagadian City (Sept. 23, 2016) - Twenty (20) members of Sumisip-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG/ATG) under sub-leader Katatong Balaman aka Tatong from Basilan Province surrendered Thursday to the 104^th Brigade, 1^st Infantry Division, Philippine Army under Colonel Thomas C. Donato, Jr., Brigade Commander, and the Local Government Unit of Sumisip, Basilan headed by Mayor Gulam Boy Hattaman, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan disclosed that the surrender was conducted in coordination with the 64^th Infantry Battalion, on September 22, 2016 at the Municipal Hall of Sumisip, Basilan.

Major Tan said, eight (8) high-powered firearms and two (2) locally-made shotguns were surrendered by the group. Alias Tatong and his group are responsible for several ambuscades and skirmishes against the government troops, particularly in Barangays Sukaten and Baiwas of Sumisip.

        “This is the result of the relentless operation we are conducting where they suffered lots of casualties. These Abu Sayyafs now fear for their lives, leading to the surrender,” said Colonel Donato. August this year, the Philippine Army overran the Abu Sayyaf strongholds in Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo. “We are very open for surrenderees. We want to end this war in peace and pave the way for development in Basilan,” he added.

The LGU believed that there are still other members of the Abu Sayyaf who are willing to surrender and return to the folds of law. “It’s time to end this terrorist problem in our country. We want to make Basilan a peaceful place to live so that development will prosper. We are closely working with the AFP to decimate all these terrorist groups,” said Mayor Hattaman.