COTABATO CITY: An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member who has surrendered to the government will receive economic benefits from the Joint Task Force Sulu, Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., task force commander, said on Saturday. Abraham Sahirin of Barangay Bungkaung, Patikul, Sulu yielded to soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Battalion (IB), 1st Brigade Combat Team along with his US Garand rifle last Thursday. “I joined the Abu Sayyaf because of the fighters’ promises to make our lives better. Their works are, however, against the Holy Quran,” Sahirin said. Lt. Col. Raul Vigo, 92nd IB commander, presented Sahirin to Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini. The former fighter received cash assistance before the troops turned him over to the Sulu Provincial Office. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the military “will not rest on our laurels, not until we crush terrorists and deliver peace and development in areas where they operate.” The ASG is listed as a terrorist group by the United States and the Philippine governments.
