Isabela City, Basilan – December 26, 2024
A historic moment unfolded in Basilan Province the day after Christmas as the last four members of the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and their four cohorts voluntarily surrendered. The individuals presented themselves to Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, Commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip, marking the end of the ASG’s presence in the province.
The successful facilitation of the surrender was attributed to the relentless efforts of the 101st Infantry Brigade, supported by the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB), the 4th Special Forces Battalion (4SFBn), the 18th Infantry Battalion (18IB), and the 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB). The operation was carried out in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), including the Sumisip LGU led by Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman and Vice Mayor Gulam “Boy” Hataman, as well as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Basilan, represented by Hadji Samad Atain, and the 114th Base Command (BC) MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) led by Amir Sauran Mingkong and Rajan Abdurahman.
Former Combatants Choose Peace
The surrendering ASG members—Tawakkal Bayali, also known as Jaber; Abul Bayali, known as Yajid; Julhair Bayali, also known as Juhah; and Hasib Tularan, known as Dadih—along with their followers Yusup Bayali, Marjan Bayali, Makrin Bayali, and Apong Upaman—chose to return to the folds of the law and mainstream society. Their decision was driven by a desire to live peaceful lives with their families. Alongside their surrender, they turned over five high-powered firearms, including an M203 grenade launcher, three M16 rifles, and a .30 caliber carbine rifle, along with assorted ammunition.
Commitment to Lasting Peace
Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman underscored the significance of this development, emphasizing the importance of lasting peace for progress and sustainable development in Sumisip. “Their surrender is crucial for the municipality of Sumisip,” he said, expressing gratitude to the military for their unwavering dedication to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the people of Basilan.
Brigadier General Luzon echoed these sentiments, commending the efforts of local leaders in facilitating the surrender. “We are very thankful and welcome the surrender of the Tawakkal Bayali group,” Luzon stated. “Their decision to lay down arms and join mainstream society is a step forward not only for them and their families but also for the entire province of Basilan. Together, we can now declare Basilan ASG-free.”
A Gift of Peace for Basilan
The surrendered individuals are now under the custody of the Sumisip LGU, which plans to provide them with comprehensive intervention programs as part of their social integration into society.
With this pivotal event, Basilan has been declared free of the Abu Sayyaf Group, a milestone celebrated as a “best Christmas gift” for the people of the province. This achievement is expected to pave the way for lasting peace, opening doors to further progress and development for Basilan.
Key Figures in Attendance
The event was witnessed by an array of local and military officials, including Lieutenant Colonel Edmund Lanzar (Commanding Officer of the 32nd Infantry Battalion), Lieutenant Colonel Adolf Ian Garceron (Commanding Officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion), and numerous local government representatives and community leaders. The presence of MILF leaders and peace advocates highlighted the collaborative efforts that made this historic surrender possible.
This surrender marks a turning point for Basilan, signaling hope for a brighter, more peaceful future for its people.