TEN members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf have surrendered to the military in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan, the military reported, citing belated reports.
Seven Abu Sayyaf men yielded to troops of the military’s Joint Task Force Sulu last Friday, the Zamboanga City-based AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said.
The seven, who were not identified, turned over six rifles (three M1 Garand, two Carbine, and one M16A1) and a handgun during their surrender at the headquarters of the 110nd Brigade in Luuk town in Sulu.
“The former ASG members revealed that due to their group’s weakened manpower and capability, they just have to run and hide from the government forces. They grew tired, thus, they surrendered,” Westmincom said in a statement.
Three other Abu Sayyaf members also surrendered last Friday to the military’s Joint Task Force Basilan based in Isabela City, Basilan, Westmincom said.
The three were later presented to Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. at the unit’s headquarters at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City.
The three — Bero Ankun, alias Abu Bero; Ridwan Jikiri, alias Abu Paruk; and Abdulgani Radjuli, alias Ganih — surrendered two rifles, two magazines and 21 rounds of ammunition.
Adaci said the surrender of the three Abu Sayyaf men, who he said were involved in atrocities against government troops in Sumisip, Tipo-tipo and Al-Barka towns in Basilan, will further weaken the terrorist group.
Acting Westmincom commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas vowed the military will continue to be relentless “to get the remaining terrorists who are still out there, afraid and confused.”
