33 ex-Abu Sayyaf Group members presented in Sulu
They also take their oaths of allegiance to the government and to support peace and security efforts.
JOLO: Thirty-three surrendered Abu Sayyaf members were presented to a top Philippine military official during a ceremony in the southern province of Sulu recently.
The Philippine Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade presented the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) returnees to Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division, at its headquarters in Luuk municipality on Thursday (Mar 29), an Army statement said Saturday (Apr 1).
Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of the 1102nd Brigade, said: "The surrender of the Abu Sayyaf Group members is a result of continuing peace and security efforts of the 1102Bde since our redeployment in the 2nd District of Sulu last October 24, 2022.
"The surrender was made possible through the 21st Infantry Battalion and 101st Infantry Battalion with the collaborative efforts of the local government units, security sector and the communities in the 2nd District of Sulu."
The ASG returnees turned-over five M1 Garand rifles, five M16 rifles, three Carbine rifles and one revolver during the ceremony.
Later, the surrendered terrorists received rice, grocery items and cash assistance from the military and local government.
They also took their oath of allegiance to the government and to support peace and security efforts.
Patrimonio urged remaining ASG members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programmes that will allow them to live peacefully and become productive members of society.