WESTERN MINDANAO Command (WesMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galver, Jr has called on the remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operating in the hinterlands of Sulu to lay down their firearms following the surrender of several of their companions over the weekend. “We would like to reiterate our call for the remaining ASG members, especially those from Sulu province, to surrender the soonest,” Mr. Galvez said in a statement. On Sunday five members of the ASG, three from Sulu and two from Tawi-Tawi, surrendered to soldiers of Joint Task Force Sulu and turned over their firearms. Three of the five were identified as Kadra Arajun Sawadjaan, Alnajar Arajun Sawadjaan, and Sherul Arad Sahiyul. Mr. Galvez said “the government, in coordination with the Ulama, has prepared rehabilitation programs to those who have surrendered and will surrender to ensure that they do not go back to their ill beliefs and practices.” WesMinCom data shows 164 ASG members have surrendered since January 2017. Of the total, 72 were from Basilan, 57 from Sulu, 33 from Tawi-Tawi, and two from Zamboanga City. — Albert F. Arcilla

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