More Sayyaf members yield in Sulu

The military yesterday said that more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists are returning to the folds of the law, yielding their firearms, and hoping for a better life.

The growing number of terrorists yielding to authorities was abrought about by Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu’s proposal of a Comprehensive Psycho-Social and Reintegration Package for ASG surrenderers which was concurred with by governors and mayors of Sulu last November 16.

This month alone, seven Abu Sayyafs yielded with their firearms for a total of 51 surrenderers with 48 firearms for the year since March.

Five of the seven who surrendered were presented by Lt. Col. Jessie R. Montoya, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion to Brig. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, JTF Sulu Commander at the War Room at Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu on Monday.

Those who surrendered were identified as Persing J. Abdurasid alias Lito, 41, a resident of Brgy. Wanni Piyanjihan, Parang who also yielded his M1 Garand rifle last December 11; Midzfar Idjarani Jukuran alias Mitchie/Che Guevarra, 31, a resident of Brgy. Panabuan, Indanan who yielded his M16 rifle last December 12; Tating Asid alias Black from Maimbung who submitted himself with an M1 Garand rifle; Amin Asjad Ismula alias Amin, 37, a resident of Brgy. Taglibi, Patikul and Aldisar Bara Jurrani, 24, a resident of Brgy. Buansa, Indanan who handed-over one M1 Garand rifle each.

Montoya said they underwent medical examination at the Station Hospital here.

“They are now undergoing custo- dial debriefing in preparation for their reintegration into society. Since they all surrendered with firearms, they are qualified to avail of the comprehensive psycho-social reintegration package,” Montoya said.

“JTF Sulu leadership is very optimistic that with the active support of the Local Chief Executives and peaceloving Tausugs, the road toward peace and progress of the province is on sight,” he added.