ZAMBOANGA CITY–The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderees climbed to 129 as six more ASG members have surrendered in the province of Sulu, the military said Tuesday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the latest batch of ASG surrenderers were Mohammad Boyhe; Rojimar Dahim; Abdu Amidol; Kandang Abduhalim Jumadil; Tader Odong Asdure; and, Matar Hajarani Saliling.
Dela Vega said they surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu on Friday in Maimbung, Sulu, through the efforts of Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan and Captain Rico Tagure of the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion.
The surrenderers turned over six high-power firearms consisting of an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle; one M-14 rifle; one M-203 Grenade Launcher; one M-79; and, two caliber .30 M1 U.S. Garand rifles.
Dela Vega said during the custodial debriefing and documentation, the surrenders bared that they decided to yield after hearing the government’s programs for rebel returnees.
“They believe that they will soon be given the chance of a new life with their families,” the military official said.
The ASG surrenderees were taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station hospital for medical check-up.
“We continue to urge the remaining bandits to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and enjoy the benefits that the Duterte Administration through the Task Force Balik-loob offers to all rebel returnees,” Dela Vega said. ( Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)
