TEN members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to the military in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan, the military reported.
Four surrendered last Saturday at the headquarters of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Campo Uno in Lamitan City, Basilan.
The four were identified by their aliases as Abu Jafar, 23; Sambon, 23; Aksad, 27; and Abu Kain. They brought with them three Garand rifles and a Carbine.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said the four surrendered because they want to live a peaceful life and want to be with their families.
The six others surrendered Monday last week at the headquarters of the 1103rd Brigade in Barangay Bonbon in Patikul, Sulu.
Citing a belated report, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio said the six were all under the group of senior Abu Sayyaf leader Majid Said.
Patrimonio identified the six, also by their aliases, as Den, 26; Jimar, 26; Ammeh, 47; Radin, 29; Seb, 25; and Din, 26. They turned over three M1 Garand rifles, an M79 grenade and ammunition for an M203 grenade launcher.
The military said Den had been with the Abu Sayyaf for 11 years.
“Tired of always being on the run, hiding from government forces and longing for his family had prompted him to go back to the folds of the law,” the JTF Sulu said in a statement, referring to Den.
Patrimonio commended the 45th Infantry Battalion for their efforts in making possible the surrender of the Abu Sayyaf members.
“Another six ASG members had laid down their arms and realized their useless cause. This is indicative that the remaining ASG members already know the authenticity of our genuine concern and relentless efforts to win the peace in the province of Sulu,” said Patrimonio.
The surrenders brought to 22 and 75 the number of ASG men who yielded to the military in Basilan and Sulu, respectively, this year.
