IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Government efforts to dismantle criminal groups and strengthen peace and security in Zamboanga Sibugay gained another significant victory after a member of the notorious Labain Criminal Group voluntarily surrendered and was formally turned over to authorities to face charges linked to his alleged criminal activities.
Abison Elon, also identified in local reports as Abison Ilon, surrendered to Tungawan Mayor Angelito “Lito” Aniñon on June 5 and was formally turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the morning of June 6, 2026, for the peaceful implementation of a warrant of arrest issued against him.
The ceremonial turnover was held at the Conference Room of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO) in Sanito, Ipil, and was attended by top officials from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and local government units.
Leading the activity were PBGen. Dennis A. Esguerra, Officer-in-Charge Regional Director of Police Regional Office-9; Brig. Gen. Samuel G. Yunque, Commander of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade; Police Colonel Barnard Dannie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of the ZSBPPO; and Mayor Aniñon, along with other staff officers and stakeholders.
Authorities described Elon’s surrender as another milestone in the government’s continuing campaign to promote peace, security, and public safety across the province. He is the third member of the Labain Criminal Group to return to the fold of the law, following the surrender of the group’s alleged leader, Yasher Indal Hassan, also known as “Almain Apidol Labain,” along with Mahmod I. Kalim and other members on May 13, 2026.
Officials said the series of surrenders demonstrates the growing success of government peace and security initiatives and reflects the increasing willingness of individuals involved in criminal activities to abandon violence and reintegrate into society.
During the ceremony, Elon’s decision to surrender was formally recognized by both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as a positive step toward personal reform and rehabilitation.
In his message, PBGen. Esguerra emphasized that returning to the rule of law serves as a powerful example for other individuals still involved in criminal activities.
“The decision to return to the fold of the law is a positive example for others who remain involved in criminal groups,” Esguerra said, encouraging remaining members of criminal organizations to follow the same path and cooperate with authorities in building a peaceful future.
He stressed that the success of anti-criminality campaigns is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but is also made possible through the cooperation of local communities and individuals willing to change their lives.
The peaceful serving of the warrant of arrest against Elon highlighted the commitment of law enforcement agencies and local government units to uphold the rule of law while ensuring respect for due process and human rights.
Authorities also acknowledged the vital role played by Mayor Aniñon, community leaders, and various stakeholders who facilitated Elon’s surrender. Their collective efforts, officials said, demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration between government institutions and local communities in addressing security concerns.
The operation was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, the Local Government Unit of Tungawan, the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, and Police Regional Office-9, underscoring the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining peace and order.
Officials affirmed that programs encouraging members of armed groups and criminal organizations to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society will continue as part of the government’s broader strategy to sustain peace and development in the province.
Authorities described the surrender and subsequent implementation of the arrest warrant as a significant step toward preserving stability in Zamboanga Sibugay and advancing the province’s vision of a safer, stronger, and more peaceful community.
As law enforcement agencies continue to intensify their campaign against criminality, officials remain optimistic that more members of criminal groups will choose the path of peace, accountability, and lawful citizenship, further contributing to long-term security and development throughout the region.