Sulu province declared free of Abu Sayyaf terror group
But the notorious terror group remains active in another province, Basilan.
SULU: Philippine authorities have announced the once-restive southern province of Sulu to be free of the Abu Sayyaf terror group (ASG), the army said.
The Sulu Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict made the declaration during a meeting in Sulu’s Patikul municipality on Wednesday (Sept. 6), said the army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID) in a statement on Thursday (Sept. 7)
Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan was quoted as saying in the statement: "It is my great pleasure and immense pride to declare the Province of Sulu as ASG-free. This event marks a significant accomplishment in our never ending quest for stability, security and peace.
“With the support of our security sector and the community, we can see the improvement in our province. This is the indicator that there is harmony, so we came up with the agreement that the Sulu will be declared ASG-free.
“Let us keep cooperating to create a community that respects harmony, diversity, and development."
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, the 11ID and Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said in the statement: “Prior to this momentous event, we were able to clear from ASG affectation the 52 ASG-affected [villages] which attributed to the voluntary surrender of 966 ASG personalities and recovery of 559 firearms.
"This declaration is a significant milestone as it marks the collective victory of the local government units together with various sectors that work together towards attaining peace and security in Sulu. This will bring forth development and will boost the eco-tourism of the province.”
Everyone should continue to work together to sustain the gains toward the common vision of lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Sulu, added Patrimonio.
11ID said 19 municipalities of the province had declared their respective towns as ASG-free prior to declaration of the province.
The latest declaration was witnessed by the 19 municipal mayors of Sulu, Sulu police chief Col. Narciso Paragas, army brigade and battalion commanders as well as JTF Sulu staff, added 11ID.
Despite the announcement, the ASG remains active in Basilan province with several subleaders still at large including highly wanted Mudzrimar Sawadjaan @ Mundi, who is an expert bombmaker tagged in several suicide bombings in Sulu and wanted by the Philippines and Malaysia.