Sports patron, world-ranked polo player, and GlobalPort and Capital1 team owner Brig. Gen. Michael “Mikee” Romero played a key role in another successful peace initiative after three supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to government authorities following a series of negotiations that paved the way for their return to civilian life.
In a statement, the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines, Inc., which facilitated the negotiations, said the surrenderers also turned over 18 high-powered firearms as they sought to avail themselves of the government’s peace and reintegration program.
Romero, who balances his military service with his role as one of the country’s leading sports personalities — as a world-ranked polo player and owner of the GlobalPort and Capital1 sports franchises — said the surrender marked another milestone in the government’s campaign to promote lasting peace and security in Basilan.
The surrendered firearms included six M16 rifles, three M2 carbine rifles, three M1 Garand rifles, two 60mm grenade launchers, and four .45-caliber handguns.
The former ASG supporters and the recovered firearms were formally turned over to the Philippine Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade under the leadership of Brigadier General Frederick Sales for processing under the government’s peace and reintegration program.
Joining Romero in the negotiation team were Colonel Vlad Mata and Colonel Meliton Agpaoa.
According to ARRAPI, the backchannel negotiations began after the surrenderers reached out through the organization’s network in Basilan and Zamboanga, expressing their desire to renounce their former affiliations, clear their names, and return to peaceful civilian life.
Supporters of the brigade’s initiatives credited Gen. Sales as a driving force behind peace and reconciliation efforts in the province, citing his leadership in encouraging former Abu Sayyaf supporters to surrender and reintegrate into society.
The turnover ceremony was attended by Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Deputy Commander Brigadier General Aldrin Annani, Task Force Orion–WestMinCom Commander Brigadier General Adriano Duadico, WestMinCom Engineering Brigade Commander Brigadier General Enyong Hernandez, Basilan People’s Governor Mujiv Hataman, and Tuburan Mayor Durie Kallahal, a former Moro National Liberation Front leader.
Officials said the successful surrender underscored the continuing partnership among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, WestMinCom, ARRAPI, local government units, and community leaders in advancing peace, security, and development in Basilan.
They added that the initiative reflects the government’s broader objective of encouraging more members and supporters of armed groups to surrender peacefully, lay down their weapons, and reintegrate into society, with the long-term goal of freeing Basilan from Abu Sayyaf influence and fostering lasting peace and sustainable development for future generations.
