By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
6th INFANTRY DIVISION HQ, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao: A rebel commander dubbed by the military as a local terrorist group (LTG) leader and seven of his followers surrendered to the troops of the 57th Infantry Battalion at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Monday morning, July 27.
Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) told the Philippine Muslim Today that the eight rebels were presented to Col. Jesus Rico Atencio, 1stMechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, and Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force (JTF) Central Mindanao Commander here in this 6th Infantry Division.
Major Encinas identified the eight rebels as Ebrahim Guno, a.k.a. Kagui Katatang; Ausang Salik, a.k.a. Salik; Kaloy Kaki, a.k.a. Loy; Guno Dimatingkal/Kasan Mama, a.k.a. Dante; Morsid Dilambasen, a.k.a. Morsid Tatak; Ali Mama/Ali Paglas, a.k.a. Ali; Datu Mama Esmail, a.k.a. Tomama; and Morsad Zumbaga/Sahad Zumbaga, a.k.a. Sahad.
He said as a gesture of their sincere withdrawal of support to the group, the eight handed over the following rifles and explosives: two cal. 5.56mm M16, two cal. 30 Garand, one M16, one homemade M79, one cal. 30 Carbine, one 7.62mm M14, and one homemade 7.62 Mauser; and two homemade Rocket-Propelled Grenades.
“In a span of 3 days, a total of 23 local terrorists have yielded in our area of operation,” said Col. Atencio.
Maj. Gen. Carreon commended the troops of the 1MechBde for their outstanding achievements while WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana lauded the JTF Central troopers for their indefatigable support to the mission accomplishment of the command.
“For the past few months, even during the peak of the pandemic, JTF Central has continuously gain grounds in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.
“Congratulations for being able to convince even those who were indoctrinated with false ideology to return to the mainstream society. May all your accomplishments inspire others to strive more, so that by 2028 we will truly be a world-class armed forces, source of national pride,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.
Meanwhile in Sultan Kudarat Province, five more local terrorist group members yielded to the troops of the 603rd Infantry Brigade a day before on Sunday morning, July 26.
The five rebels were identified as Haris Marohom, Amer Sanday, Mindo Abdullah, Marvin Guima, and Casim Sanday who submitted themselves to Brig. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, Commander, 603Bde; Police Col. Arnold Santiago, Provincial Director, Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, BARMM; and other military and police officers, at the 603Bde headquarters, Marine Base Brig. Gen. Betita, Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
“The five were all under Kiram Abdullah who surrendered to the government last July 17, 2020,” said Brig. Gen. Mamawag.
“They were involved in different armed encounters with the government forces in the province of Maguindanao,” he added.
The said personalities handed over one calibre .30 Springfield sniper rifle with scope, two calibre .50 Barrett sniper rifle; one anti-personnel mine approximately weighing eight kilograms with components and triggering device.
“To all the soldiers under my jurisdiction, congratulations for the numerous accomplishments. We are now reaping the fruits of your hard work and sacrifices,” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, JTF Central Commander.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander, also lauded the troops of JTF Central for their resolve in ending terrorism in Central Mindanao.
“Then again, we cannot do this without the sincerity and commitment of our partners and stakeholders, the local government units, and the people of Mindanao,” he added. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY 