At around 9:30 A.M. of July 30, 2022, one hundred (100) Abu Sayyaf Group Members and Supporters chose to return to the fold of Law. This was made possible through the concerted efforts of the personnel from RIU9 (Regional Intelligence Unit 9), PNP-IG together with PIU, 1st and 2nd PMFC, Jolo MPS, Patikul MPS, Indanan MPS, Panamao MPS, Talipao MPS, Maimbung MPS, all of Sulu Police Provincial Office, 7SAB and 84SAC, all of PNP-SAF, CIDG9 Sulu-PFU, APC-WM, RMU BAR, PCLO Sulu, JTF-Sulu, 11ID, Philippine Army, 4MBDE, Philippine Marine Corps, Sulu-PSO and NICA9 who launched a whole of a nation approach operation and facilitated the mass surrender and withdrawal of support of the mentioned number of former bandits from the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The said event was held at the Provincial Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of Barangay Bangkal, Patikul,Sulu that had been witnessed by DILG Secretary BENJAMIN ABALOS JR., Sulu’s Provincial Governor, HON. ABDUSAKUR M. TAN, the current OIC of the Philippine National Police, PLTGEN VICENTE D DANAO, JR., the Commander of The Area Police Command, Westen Mindanao, PMGEN EDEN UGALE, Director of the Special Action Force, PMGEN PATRICK T VILLACORTA, RD PRO BAR, PBGEN ARTHUR CABALONA, EX-O DI, PBGEN ANDREW D. CAYAD, DDA, IG, PCOL ROBERT AA MORICO II, CO, JTF-Sulu, MGEN IGNATIUS PATRIMONIO, the Regional Director of NICA9, BGEN CAMILO F BALUTAN (Ret) and other officers and men of the PNP and AFP, Municipal Mayors and different member Agencies and Ministries of the Sulu Provincial Enhanced- Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee.
The surrenderers were composed of seven (7) PSR Listed, fifty six (56) Non-PSR Listed and thirty seven (37) supporters under different ASG Sub-leaders coming from different Municipalities within the Province of Sulu.
These 100 individuals who were formerly labelled as bandits subsequently turned-over twenty two (22) firearms. Six (6) units M16 rifle with attached M203, three (3) units Colt M16 A1 Rifle, six (6) units M14 rifle, two (2) units Garand Rifle, one (1) unit M203 Grenade Launcher, two (2) units Caliber 45 Pistol; one (1) unit Carbine and one (1) unit Magnum 357
According to the report shared to RPN DXXX, Zamboanga News Team, the successful negotiation towards the Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) lasted for more than four months of continuous dialogue. Furthermore, the conduct of meetings in coordination with the different government agencies and leaders under the Task Force Balik-Loob Program thru the E-CLIP Committee; greatly contributed to this significant accomplishment.
The 100 former ASG members and supporters were formally turned-over to the Provincial Government of Sulu headed by their Provincial Governor, Hon. Abdusakur M. Tan; to ensure their reintegration in the community and for them to be able to avail the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Moreover, the surrendered firearms were properly turned-over to the Forensic Unit of Sulu for proper disposition.
Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Administrative Order No. 10 S. 2018, particularly stipulated in Rule 7., the qualified Former Rebels (FRs) beneficiaries are entitled to receive specific benefits and other form of assistance from the LGU and other concerned government agencies. (Kristine Perez, photo courtesy to the Area Police Command, Western Mindanao)