148 Abus yield as WestMinCom sustains offensives

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 25, 2018) - More than a hundred members of the Abu Sayyaf Group have laid down their arms since operations were sustained by the Western Mindanao Command last year, military official said.

From January 1 to December 31, 2017, a hundred and forty-four Abu Sayyaf bandits capitulated as military troops employ more pressure and pound on the terrorist group in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

“This massive surrender is ascribed to the relentless operations of our troops on the ground and the robust support of the people of Mindanao, especially our local chief executives that are now involved in our fight against decades-long internal aggression on the islands,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Last year, seventy (70) Abu Sayyaf bandits yielded to the troops in Basilan, 53 in Sulu, and 21 in Tawi-Tawi.

This month (January 2018), four Abu Sayyaf members (three in Sulu and one in Basilan) already surrendered to the Joint Task Forces under the WestMinCom. Three high-powered firearms of the Abu Sayyaf were also recovered from January 1-23, 2018. On January 21, 2018, Reymal Abe Majan, 23, Tarun Uhad Ismael , 63, and Makdar Jikiri, 25, yielded to Captain John Armand Guevarra of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) in Barangay Kanaway, Parang, Sulu. Ismael and Jikiri are followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan, while Majan is a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Maradjan Hadjiri. They also surrendered two M1 Garand rifles and an M16 rifle.

“We encourage other Abu Sayyaf members to return to the fold of the law and join the government troops in working for internal security through peaceful means,” added Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr.

“The government in coordination with the Ulama has prepared rehabilitation programs to those who have surrendered to ensure that they do not go back to their ill beliefs.”

This January 2018, the Western Mindanao Command through its JTF Basilan, in collaboration with Balay Mindanaw, ARMM, Eisenhower Fellowship Association US Embassy and Nagdilaab Foundation Inc conducted an "Expository Tour" under the ASG Returnees Rehabilitation Program (ARRP) for 40 Basilan ASG returnees.

The activity intends to provide the returnees an avenue for personal, spiritual, values formation and the opportunity to gain new experiences. The tour also seeks to provide exposure to the returnees progressive communities outside Basilan Province; create positive disposition among the returnees through leisure and other activities; foster cohesion and team spirit; and reinforce positive and moderate view of Islam.

“This program will set as a pioneering model similar to the NPA returnees Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP),” said LtGen Galvez.

“All returnees will also undergo the same program to ensure that they will be fully integrated and mainstreamed as productive members of their community.”

“With all our partners, we will transform our ASG affected areas from "terrorism to tourism haven,” WestMinCom chief concluded.