AMID the intensified offensive, three supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to military authorities in Basilan province, officials said Thursday, July 11.
Major Arvin Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said those who surrendered were identified as Hasid Aslimto Abdurasul alias Taba; Isaimin Talih Kabong alias Ninnik; and Gerry Langkat Laikan alias Ger.
Encinas said the three surrendered around 8 a.m. Wednesday to the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion in the municipality of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
Encinas said they turned over two Garand rifles and one Thompson sub-machine gun.
He said the three and their firearms were later presented to Brigadier General Fernando Reyeg, Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan San Jose, army’s 18th Infantry Battalion commander, presented on Wednesday to Reyeg the 25 assorted loose firearms handed over to him by the local chief executives of Albarka and Ungkaya Pukan municipalities.
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, was happy to note the unwavering support of the local chief executives in all peace efforts of the command.
“In our desire to achieve sustainable peace, we continuously convince the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits and other lawless elements to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law,” Sobejana added.