Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leaders and 13 of their members surrendered to the Joint Task Force-Sulu, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom), announced Saturday.
Vinluan identified the two ASG sub-leaders as Alvin Yusop alias Arab Puti under senior leader Radulan Sahiron; and Barahim Nurjahar under deceased senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
The 15 and their 14 surrendered firearms were presented to JTF Sulu commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales in a ceremony facilitated by the two brigade commanders.
Both sub-leaders surrendered through the concerted effort of the 1101st and 1102nd Infantry Brigades based in Sulu province.
According to 1102 Brigade Commander Ignatius Patrimonio, Arab Puti was a kidnapper and a close-in security of Sahiron.
His family convinced him to surrender because his mother suffered a stroke and he wants to take care of her.
He also wants to change for the better for the sake of his four children, Vinluan reported. 1101 Brigade commander Col. Antonio Bautista, Jr. said the presence of government troops drove out Nurjahar from his stronghold and caused him to starve.
Realizing that his struggle has no sense, he approached the MNLF Jikiri faction who then linked him to the military for his proper surrender, Bautista said.
According to Bautista, Nurjahar was behind in the kidnapping of the sister of one of the mayors of Sulu.
“Nurjahar will face legal proceedings and is now willing to cooperate with government forces,” Bautista added. Vinluan said Gonzales was very glad to welcome the former ASG combatants to the mainstream society.
“I commend both the Ganarul and Gagandilan troopers. Imagine, even Arab Puti, the ringleader of the ASG’s urban criminal group around 2017 and the most trusted subordinate of Radulan Sahiron came to his senses and laid down his arms,” Vinluan said.
Among those who surrendered were the two sons of ASG sub-leader and kidnapper Apoh Mike identified as Muarip Adja alias Arip and Hatimil Adja alias Timmir.
41st Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gagni revealed that Adja was present when ASG senior leader Sawadjaan died.
Gagni said that the surrender of the two was a result of their community support program and their peace covenant with the residents of Maimbung.
Gonzales said that all returnees will be enrolled in the livelihood programs of the government. (Nonoy E. Lacson)
