ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao on Sunday revealed that four individuals believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group operating in Sulu province surrenders to authorities and turned over their high-powered firearms here.
NFWM commander Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor said on Sunday that the surrender of the four former ASG gunmen on Friday was the result of the combined efforts of NFWM, Joint Task Force Orion and Ministry of Public Order and Safety in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Miraflor identified the four ASG members as Jimmy Ibnohajar, Jul-Amin Subuhani, Juksin Subuhani and Dhenmar Patta Jamiul, adding that they turned over one Cal. 50 Barrett Rifle, two Springfield M1 Garand Rifle, one M16A1 Rifle and assorted live ammunition and magazines.
He presented the four former ASG along with their high-power firearms to Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. and was witnessed by representatives of the MPOS-BARMM.
Following their surrender, the alleged ASG members underwent medical check-ups at Camp Navarro General Hospital.
They were later turned over to the JTF-Orion and MPOS-BARMM, for proper documentation, and the possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for ASG in Sulu province and their appropriate disposition.
“The successful surrender demonstrates the relentless efforts made by the NFWM in maintaining security and peace, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people within the NFWM area of responsibility,” Miraflor said.
To recall, that the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command recently activated the JTF-Orion, a multi-service, multi-domain task force task to support and participate in the implementation of various government peace programs through peace process mechanisms in Mindanao.
AFP-WesMinCom chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo said JTF-Orion was organized to address and provide unity of command in confronting the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and in other parts of Mindanao.