Zamboanga City – Following the surrender of the 100 ASG members and supporters last June 30,222, another 7 individuals belonging to the aforesaid terrorist group yielded to the authorities at around 3:30 P.M. this afternoon, August 4, 2022.
The seven former ASG members were under ASG sub-leader Pasil Bayali and ASG sub-leader Nurhasan Jamiri. The two were liked or said to spearhead kidnap-for-ransom, harassment, ambuscades, extortion, illegal drug trading and other terroristic activities in Basilan; as well as in the nearby provinces to include, Zamboanga City.
In an interview, one of the former militants disclosed that the reasons why they chose to surrender; are because of starvation and the difficulty of not being able to be with their respective families. The hardship that they have experienced in evading the military troops operating in the areas of Sulu is another factor, which opted them to finally start anew.
Former President Duterte on March 18, 2020 signed Administrative Order (AO) 25, which amends AO (10). AO 25 already expanded its coverage and included the former violent extremists as beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Hence giving the former rebels (FRs)the opportunity to live a peaceful and productive kind of life, through the government’s complete package assistance (that are duly stipulated in AO 25).
The ASG personalities who voluntarily surrendered also turned-over one (1) unit of cal 30 M1 Garand rifle with defaced serial number, one (1) unit of Springfield Caliber 45 pistol bearing serial number 611663 with magazine and one (1) unit of improvised 5.56 revolver with no serial number. Moreover, these surrendered firearms will be turned-over to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for proper disposition.
Furthermore, a Custodial Debriefing is currently being conducted, while their affidavits are being prepared by RSOU9.
The joint personnel from Basilan PIT, RIU9, PNP-IG together with 53rd SAC, 54th SAC, and 84th SAC, PNP-SAF; RSOU9 – RID9 R.A. ZC; Police Station 11-ZCPO; PCTC-WMFO; 904th, RMFB9; PIU and Ungkaya Pukan MPS both of Basilan PPO; 16MICO, 1MIB, 1ID, PA and NICA9 facilitated and played a huge role in this accomplishment.
The presentation of the 7 Abu Sayyaf Surrenderers was held at 84SAC, PNP-SAF Headquarters, Ecozone, San Ramon, Zamboanga City. This event was witnessed by some local media personalities and representative from the Office of the Mayor of Zamboanga City. (Regino Delos Santos)