At least 10 alleged supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu have surrendered to authorities and turned over an arms cache of 32 assorted firearms at the headquarters of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Zamboanga (RMFB-9) in Zamboanga City.

According to the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9), the surrender was made through sustained intelligence operations, community engagement, and persuasive negotiations.

The individuals, all male between 28 and 69 years old, are residents of various towns in Sulu, including Maimbung, Tapul, Indanan, and Jolo.

PRO-9 said the individuals have severed their ties with the ASG and took an oath of allegiance to the Philippine government.

During the surrender, they turned over 32 firearms, including high-powered rifles, grenade launchers, and improvised and modified weapons.

PRO-9 Director, Brigadier General Eleazar Matta, commended the individuals for withdrawing their support from the terrorist group and provided them with financial assistance as part of the government’s reintegration initiatives.

“This development reflects the growing trust and confidence of our communities in the government’s peace and security efforts. This demonstrates that our multi-agency approach, guided by the President’s directive, continues to yield results. We are dismantling the remnants of fear and violence — one peaceful surrender at a time,” Matta said.