Authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay hailed the surrender of the alleged leader of the Labain Criminal Group and one of its members as a breakthrough in the provinceโs peace and anti-criminality campaign. (Image: Facebook/ Mayor Angelito Aninon)
Years of fear and pursuit ended not with a gunfight, but with a quiet surrender as two members of the notorious Labain Criminal Group, including its alleged leader, voluntarily yielded to authorities this week. The surrender came after what officials described as months of careful negotiation and trust-building between law enforcement agencies, local government leaders, and the armed group.
Among those who surrendered was Yasher Indal Hassan, also known as โAlmain Apidol Labain.โ Authorities identified Hassan as the leader of the group. Also surrendering was Mahmod I. Kalim, described by police as an active member of the organization.
Both men had reportedly spent years hiding from authorities in remote areas of Zamboanga Sibugay before turning themselves in after a sustained negotiation and confidence-building during a ceremony in Barangay Sanito in the municipality of Ipil.
Authorities served the two men with warrants of arrest upon their surrender, charging them with murder, three counts of frustrated murder, eight counts of attempted murder, and violations of firearms and explosives laws.
Local officials portrayed the surrender not merely as a law enforcement victory. It was also proof that dialogue and community engagement can succeed where force alone often fails. Mayor Angelito Aniรฑon of Tungawan credited sustained communication efforts for persuading the fugitives to surrender peacefully. โThrough consistent and sincere communication, trust was built between authorities and the group,โ Aniรฑon said, praising the cooperation among police, military forces and local officials.
Parts of Mindanao have wrestled with armed groups, clan conflicts, and criminal organizations that thrive in isolated communities where poverty and weak governance persist. In many rural towns, local leaders often play a crucial role as intermediaries between authorities and armed actors.
Brig. Gen. Samuel Yunque, commander of the Armyโs 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the surrender reflected close coordination between the military, the Philippine National Police and local governments in maintaining stability across the province.
He emphasized what officials described as the governmentโs dual-track strategy: pursuing criminal groups while also offering opportunities for reconciliation and reintegration. โThose who choose the path of peace will be given proper assistance and support,โ Yunque said.
Police Col. Barnard Danie Dasugo described the surrender as โan act of courage.โ He described it as a significant step toward long-term peace in the province. Dasugo also credited Mayor Aniรฑonโs support and firm anti-criminality stance, calling the mayor a โkey to successโ in efforts to safeguard communities in Tungawan and neighboring towns.
For Zamboanga Sibugay residents long accustomed to stories of armed encounters and fugitives hiding in the countryside, the surrender offered a rare image of resolution โ one built not only through warrants and weapons, but through persuasion, patience and the promise of a return to civilian life.
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