ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Three Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, one of them is in the Periodic Status Report (PSR) list, have surrendered to the government troops in Basilan province, military officials announced Monday.
Lt. Col. Ivan San Jose, Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion commander, identified them as Khadaffy Kalitut, 17th in the PSR list; Aliman Langkasan; and, Jiyad Arabin.
San Jose said the three, who are followers of ASG sub-leader Nur Hassan, surrendered Saturday to his troops in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province.
They turned over three high-powered firearms which are an M-16 Armalite, Garand and M1 Carbine rifles.
“We are happy that most of the ASG members are now willing to work with us in our quest for peace. They are longing for a good and progressive life with their loved ones,” he said.
The surrender of the three ASG bandits was also facilitated by barangay chairperson Ismael Dampol of Limbo-Upas, Tipo Tipo.
“With all the programs and projects we implemented to assist our brothers and sisters who decided to return to the mainstream of society, we expect for more surrenderers in the coming days,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.
“The success of our campaign is attributed to all the people who actively support us in all our endeavor,” Sobejana added. (PNA)
