Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said the surrender of the ASG members was an offshoot of the active collaboration between the military and the police.
Patrimonio identified the ASG members through their aliases as Udar, 42 years old and alias Al, 42.
Udar is a follower of ASG senior leader Radullan Sahiron while Al is a follower of sub-leader Idang Susukan.
“Despaired by the terrorist group’s deception, the two decided to end their armed struggle and return to the folds of the law,” Patrimonio said.
The surrenderers also handed over an Elisco M16A1 rifle, US cal. 30 M1 Garand rifle, Colt 1911 Cal. 45 pistol, magazines, and bullets.
Both revealed that they are tired of evading the government forces and victimizing innocent civilians. They also fear being killed due to the ASG'S weakened capability and the intensified operations of the military in the province.
Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said the success of the AFP’s campaign against terrorism is a result from the synergy among security forces coupled with the unwavering support of the local government units, peace partners, the religious leaders and the locals.
Rosario urged the remaining ASG members to come out amid the gradual loss of mass support of the ASG propelled by the combat and non-combat operations of the armed forces.
Photos: WestMinCom PIO chief Major Andrew Linao
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