The surrenderers were identified through their aliases as Vandam, 25; Raden, 38; alias Asari, 73 ; Abu Zendal; alias Almasir; Abdun, 49 ; Jars, 61 years old; Jah 27; and alias Mursid, 31 years old.
1102nd Brigade commander Colonel Giovanni Franza thanked the families of the Abu Sayyaf surrenderers who chose to live peacefully.
“This significant event showed your willingness to return to your normal lives and live peacefully with your family and loved ones," Franza said.
Franza also urged those who are still with the terror group to also return to the folds of the law and live normally.
“Take this opportunity to return to the folds of the law, and we will always be here to help you to start anew,” he said.
Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of JTF Sulu also lauded the continuous efforts of all its units, as he assured them that the military will do its best to help them get the assistance they needed.
"We, in coordination with the province of Sulu and other partner agencies, have been coordinating for the programs and interventions that could benefit the former members of the ASG,” he said.
"Your security forces, together with the assistance of the local government units and partner stakeholders, will continue our endeavor towards achieving lasting peace, security, and development in the province of Sulu,” Patrimonio added.
A total of 30 Abu Sayyaf members voluntarily surrendered to the JTF Sulu from January 2022.
Photo: Western Mindanao Command