February 17, 2022, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – Yesterday, Joint Task Force- Sulu Acting Commander BGen Antonio Bautista Jr officiates Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict activities at 4th Marine Brigade Headquarters in Brgy Tanduh Bato, Luuk, Sulu.
During a formal ceremony, four ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) returnees with their firearms (M16, M14 and M4 Garand Rifle) were turned-over to Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict represented by Luuk Board Member Alnur Arbison. The efforts of 4MBde led to this successful surrender of former ASG. Earlier this year, the former bandits surrendered to units under 4MBde. They were 52-year old Ibrahim Asara, 37-year old Ahamad Inggal, 28-year old Marson Adong Awwalon and 27-year old Kimar Diray.
Meanwhile, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Sulu headed by Fiscal Anne Pierreangeli Ledesma represented by Atty Shine Novel L Saipudin offered legal counsel to 81 returnees, some of which laid down arms way back year 2020. Those individuals who do not have standing warrant of arrest will be assisted in clearing their names on the security sector’s watchlist while those who have be acquainted to the process of law and how their cases can be resolved.
For his part, JTF-Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Acting Commander BGen Antonio I Bautista expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts of 4MBde, partner government agencies and Non-Government Organizations. He also had a word with the former bandits.
“Magmula noong lumapit kayo sa gobyerno, ibinaba ang inyong armas, tungkulin na namin na siguraduhing magkakaroon kayo ng tahimik at maayos na pamumuhay. Ngayon nakikita niyo kami ritong magkakasama, representative lamang kami ng gobyerno, marami pa kami na nagsusumikap na gawin ang tungkulin namin na alalayan kayo,” BGen Bautista addressed the returnees.
11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army 