Harsh jungle life pushes Abu Sayyaf family to return to the fold of the
law
By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 26 (PIA) – They
were notorious; thought to be fearless, brutal, and careless, but never
exempted to human life and sufferings, especially for an outlaw.
The harsh jungle life, running for one’s
life, evading the pursuit of government soldiers and a life of hiding and
uncertainty for the future made this family realize that it is enough. Putting
one’s life at risk every moment, every day is no different from the risk of
returning to the fold of the law.
Sulaiman Sagindingan Kasaran alias Abujaid was
quite tense as he narrated how he, as the head of the family decided to
surrender. They have been battling the government forces in Al-barka town;
especially the 18th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army for
over five years and a number of his family has died.
“Pareho kaming talo dahil buhay ang ibinuwis
namin (We all lose because lives were lost),” he said.
According to Kasaran, many army commanders
had come and go to Al-barka but it is only under the leadership of LtCol
Enerito D. Lebeco that the head of the Kasaran family saw the sincerity and
goodness of a soldier with genuine intent to help them go back to the fold of law
without killing them.
“He (Lebeco) came to our land. I did not
recognize him at first. I did not know he was an army commander because he was
wearing shorts and without any escort, he came to us,” Kasaran said in
Filipino.
The sight of a man, unafraid and in humility
had reached out for the outlaws was a life-changing experience for the Kasaran
family patriarch. At this moment, he knew he could trust this man.
Six other Abu Sayyaf members of the Kasaran
family surrendered with him, namely Marwin Asan Kasaran (alias Hajie), Derwin
Asan Kasaran (alias Dikki), Halid Asan Kasaran (alias Nasirin Awwalin), Hadzmin
Kuluman Kasaran (alias Ammin), Faisal Laudmin Kasaran (alias Issa/Ballie), and
Salman Najallon Kasaran (alias Sat/Mhadz).
Sulaiman also thanked the local government
units of Al-barka and the provincial government for the support given to the
family in its desire to live a normal life. He, however, recognized that
threats are still around but he said that he is not afraid to stay in their
area because he knows the government will do everything in its power to protect
them as civilians.
In a separate interview, Sulaiman revealed
that he was an ex-army who went on AWOL (absence without leave) and that he got
sick, later tried to return to service but was not granted. He did not,
however, reveal why he and his family joined the ASGs except for economic
reasons.
He said that their family is not engaged in
brutality and beheadings. He does not allow his children and family to do such
thing. He said they only do ‘pintakasi’, such as reinforcing the ASGs in its
encounter with government forces. But this kind of life was not what he dreamt
of for him and his family. Somehow, circumstances forced them to be part of the
ASG.
Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, Joint Task
Group Basilan Commander said that this so far the first time in military
history that an ASG family voluntarily surrendered and decided to return to the
fold of the law.
“Negotiations started in October until
December 21 with a rido settlement. During this time the Kasaran family
expressed the desire to surrender and return to normal life.
Col. Bautista said that this is part of the
concerted efforts of Task Force Kasanyangan, headed by Basilan Gov Jum Akbar
and ARMM Gov Mujiv Hataman with all local chief executives as members. The
objective here is for them to lead the promotion of peace in Basilan.
“This proves that we can attain peace even
without the use of firearms. We hope this event will encourage others to follow
the Kasaran family in their desire for peace and security for the community,”
he said.
The ASG members yielded three M16 rifles, one
Cal .30 Garrand rifle, one M79 Gerenade Launcher and one Cal .45 Pistol, which
were also surrendered to the army. The family also initially underwent
custodial debriefing. Later, they will be endorsed to the ARMM Regional
Governor for rehabilitation and integration into mainstream society.
The 104th Brigade Commander said
that the ASG members realized that fighting the government and enduring hard
life in the mountains is a lost cause. He said that the surrender was made
possible through the help of the populace and local government of Ungkaya
Pukan.
“The sincere coordination and passion of the
government in delivering the message for peace and reconciliation on the ground
made the pivotal role to convince the other ASG members to return to the fold
of the law,” he said.
