Five Abu Sayyaf terrorists surrender in southern Philippines
They also turn over five high-powered firearms.
BASILAN: Five members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group (ASG) have surrendered to Philippine authorities in the southern province of Basilan, said an army official.
Their surrender on Sept. 6 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the army's 18th Infantry Battalion, the Joint Peace and Security Team and the provincial government of Basilan, said Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, the commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Force - Basilan, in a statement on Thursday (Sept. 7).
The surrender ceremony was held at Camp Luis Biel III in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.
Luzon identified the five Abu Sayyaf members as Ammeng Lakibul Ahamsirul, 61; Musaifil Alamsirul, 23; Rajim Arakani Barahim, 28; Arman Kahaki Misa, 24; and Jajilun Aranan Hussin.
He said the ASG men turned over five high-powered firearms namely two M-16 Armalite rifles, one Garand rifle, one 40-millimetre grenade launcher and one AR-15 rifle.
“They are all followers of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali,” Luzon said additionally in a local news report.
“We are optimistic that the remaining ASG personalities who are still hiding will soon come out and avail themselves of the programmes of the government for them to rejoin the mainstream of the society."
Luzon said the five surrendered terrorists will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) of the national government, which administers cash assistance and livelihood packages.
The latest surrenders brought the total number of terrorists who have returned to society in Basilan since 2016 to 358, he added.