Peace now reigns in Sulu

SULU – Security officials said the Abu Sayyaf is now a spent force following the continued surrender of its members in this southern Filipino province where the military and local governments and other stakeholders are closely working hand-in-hand for peace and progress.

Just recently, the Western Mindanao Command announced the surrender of 21 extremists in Patikul town. 

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said among those who surrendered were senior Abu Sayyaf and local ISIS leaders Majid Said and Jamiri Jauhari. They also handed over seven M14 and three M16 automatic rifles. 

“We are hopeful that the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu will soon be defeated and peace and order in the province of Sulu will be fully restored,” he said 

Rojas said the military and the local government provided financial assistance to the extremists who are now in a temporary relocation site. 

“I’m very happy with this development. We were anticipating this already because of the well-integrated civil and military strategy of the campaign plan. Moreover, because of the whole of nation approach, we are able to get the support of the populace towards the government side and we have continuously drained the ASG of the much-needed support to them. Also, we were able to isolate them and stopped their recruitment efforts,” he said. 

“I commend once again our dedicated soldiers for their unyielding commitment to the mission. I know this was a long process of confidence building efforts before they were convinced to lay down their arms,” he added. 

Rojas said the successful surrender of the extremists was a result of the collaborative efforts of the 32nd and 45th Infantry Battalions, the 6th Special Forces Battalion, the Sulu Provincial Police Office, and the police and military intelligence in Sulu. 

Sulu now has become even more peaceful and progressive because of the various pro-peace programs implemented by Gov. Sakur Tan and his municipal mayors. Beach resorts and restaurants, and hotels and pension houses have sprung over the years with the business sector largely attributing this to the improved peace and order. (Mindanao Examiner)