SULU – The Philippine military said the number of Abu Sayyaf members continues to dwindle in Sulu as the provincial government strongly pursues peace and development efforts in the province, once a stronghold of the extremist group.
Just recently, two Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military authorities in Patikul town, according to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.
Patrimonio identified the duo only by their alias Hadjang, 50; and Nadz, 20. He said the two men surrendered to the 6th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Harold Nemeño in the village of Buhanginan in Patikul town.
“The two Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military in Sulu. They also surrendered one M16 rifle and one .45-caliber pistol,” he said.
Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the surrender of the two Abu Sayyaf fighters.
“We attribute this success to the collaborative efforts of Joint Task Force Sulu, the provincial government of Sulu, our partners and stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Sulu.”
“The employment of the whole-of-nation approach has brought our campaign against terrorism to a greater height. Rest assured that we will continue to intensify our efforts to bring lasting peace and progress in Sulu and the rest of the provinces in our area of operation,” Galido said.
Dozens of Abu Sayyaf terrorists
had surrendered since last year and were provided financial aid by the
provincial and municipal governments, including a livelihood package from the
national government as part of a program to lure Muslim extremists to return to
the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families and become
responsible citizens. (Mindanao Examiner)
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