22-year-old ASG member surrenders firearms, explosive in Basilan

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

**TOO YOUNG TO BE A REBEL:** The 22-year-old Ajid, a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan surrenders to the military forces. He also turned over as shown in this photo his M-203 grenade launcher, Cal. 45 pistol, and a fragmentation grenade. (Contributed Photo)

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan: A 22-year-old Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member in Basilan turned over his firearms and explosives to the military during his surrender last Sunday.

“The 22-year old identified only as Ajid and a resident of Lamitan City submitted himself to the military troops,” said Western Mindanao Comand (WestMinCom) Chief Lt. Gen, Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

The said personality was subsequently presented to 4th Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Alex Ampati at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Kabbon Bata, Isabela City, Basilan.

According to Lt. Col. Ampati, Ajid turned over one cal. 45mm with four rounds of ammunition, one cal. 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher, and one fragmentation hand grenade.

Ajid and his surrendered items are currently under the custody of 4SFBn for proper disposition.

“Our sustained campaign against terrorism prompted the Abu Sayyaf Group member to surrender,” said Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander Joint Task Force Basilan.

Brig. Gen. Gobway expressed his commitment to the attainment of lasting peace in Basilan.

Since January 2021, a total of 19 ASG personalities were killed in Basilan and nine firearms were gained by the military.

“JTF Basilan continues to achieve substantial gains in our bid to end terrorism and win peace and development here in Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“My congratulations to all the members of JTF Basilan for the continued vigor and dedication,” the commander added.
JIJ