Surrendered ASG fighters urged to call on fellows to give up

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called on surrendered Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) fighters to urge their former compatriots to lay down their arms.

According to a Friday Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF Sulu) statement, Lorenzana met with 25 former ASG members from the municipalities of Patikul, Indanan, Talipao, and Parang at the 11th Infantry Division headquarters in Jolo, Sulu.

“To our brothers here who surrendered, you have made the right and best decision. Help others change for the better. You will not be neglected, you will not be left alone. You will be taken care of by our government," said Lorenzana.

Major General William Gonzales, the 11th Infantry Division commander, echoed the sentiment.

“Each individual's change of heart for the love of their family contributes to our internal security and brings about our solidarity as a nation,” he said.

Among the surrenderers was 60-year-old Arsad Hajihil, a former commander of the Mindanao ASG Central Committee in the 1990s. Hajihil, who was a member of 25-years, surrendered on January 9.

Lorenzana also said that the series of surrenders signifies the decreasing strength of the ASG.

“It is my utmost hope that we ultimately defeat the ASG and surely, with the concerted and sustained efforts of our troops, local government units here in Sulu, we will attain peace in the region,” he said. — DVM, GMA News