SULU - A father and his son who are both Abu Sayyaf terrorists have surrendered to the military on Wednesday in Sulu and security officials were quick to say that the duo would be reintegrated into the society as part of the government’s peace efforts in the southern province.
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| A 65-year old Abu Sayyaf father Haliluddin Isniruddin and his son Bennajar pose with soldiers and local town officials of Talipao town in Sulu following their surrender September 15, 2021 to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion. (11th Infantry Division) |
A 65-year old Abu Sayyaf father Haliluddin Isniruddin and his son Bennajar surrendered September 15, 2021 to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Sulu province. (11th Infantry Division)
The terrorists, Haliluddin Isniruddin, 65; and Bennajar Isniruddin, 39, also yielded a grenade launcher and a rifle following their surrender to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Benito Ramos, Jr. in Talipao town.
Ramos also presented the terrorists to Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, who praised the soldiers for their feat. Gonzales welcomed the surrender of the two men and thanked all those who worked in convincing the duo to return to the fold of the law.
The military also released a short statement of the elder Isniruddin who narrated how and why they joined the pro-ISIS group. “Napasama po ako sa grupo nang dahil sa rido, napasama rin po sa mga (armed) encounter, ngunit di nagtagal nagkaayos at tumiwalag din po ako sa grupo.”
His son also said: “Napasama po ako sa grupo sa kadahilanang ang ilang kasamahan ay humingi po ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng pagkain. Dahil sa hindi po maganda ang buhay ay pinagpasyahan ko pong sumuko.”
The military did not say when the duo joined the terrorist group or if they had killed soldiers and civilians in the past.
Gonzales lauded the efforts of the local governments for their unwavering support in ending violence and promoting peace and development in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
“We have this (Abu Sayyaf Returnee Reintegration) program with local government units that give a lot of opportunities for you to start anew. With our sustained efforts, the downfall of the ASG is inevitable. We will continue our concerted efforts to achieve our short and long-term goals.”
“I hope that other members (of the Abu Sayyaf) would also come forward and free themselves from fear that they may be reported to government forces or they might be tracked down by their former comrades. I commend all units and the Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict for actively reaching out to our brothers who now want to start a new life,’’ Gonzales said.
The surrender of father and son was also witnessed by Talipao town Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie and other government officials and military commanders. (Mindanao Examiner)
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