Basilan governor appeals to Abus to surrender

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Philippines – Gov. Jum Akbar appealed to Abu Sayyaf bandits and other armed groups on Saturday to lay down their arms and allow development in the province.

Akbar made the appeal during the 41st Basilan Pakaradjaan, a celebration of the different cultures and traditions of peoples and tribes in the province.

“Despite having different tribes and diversified culture we have lived in harmony. It’s about time for Abu Sayyaf bandits and other armed groups to lay down their arms and allow development to continue in their areas,” Akbar said.

The governor said the families of members of the armed groups would also benefit from development projects that would be implemented in their communities.

“The Abu Sayyaf should think that they also have families who suffer from every atrocity that they commit,” Akbar said. 

She said the regional government  under Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman have brought much development in the province.

“Let us take that opportunity and help our leaders develop our province,” she said.