A significant number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrendering to the government’s security forces, continue to increase in Basilan province, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
This comes after the surrender of Salih Kiman Mustapha alias “Alih Kiman Mustafa” — believed to be a member of the ASG — to joint elements of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on 11 August in Isabela City.
Mustapha, who operates under late sub-ASG leader Radzmil Jannatul, is the third ASG member to surrender in Basilan within this week. The ASG member also turned over an M1 Carbine firearm, which will be subject to proper disposition by the Regional Forensic Unit of Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said that recent development in the government’s fight against violent extremism was a result of the intensified military operations as well as the strengthened collaboration between the AFP and PNP.
“Our successes are also attributable to the good governance of our local chief executives and the programs initiated by the government,” Rosario said.