AN Abu Sayyaf leader implicated in the kidnapping of foreigners, and two of his men surrendered Monday to the military in Indanan town in Sulu, the military reported yesterday.
Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu, said the surrender of sub-leader Tuan Annual Jainal is a “significant” accomplishment against the Abu Sayyaf.
Jainal and his men, Mubarak Abdullah and Nibras Salahudin Tampakan, brought with them three rifles and a hand grenade when they surrendered to the 1102nd Brigade in Indanan town.
The military said the three Abu Sayyaf men surrendered due to the military’s “sustained peace-keeping efforts” and the “sincerity of the military to end the local armed conflict in the province.”
“This is significant because he is a sub-leader who operates in the Indanan-Maimbung (towns) area. We’re optimistic he can convince others to also surrender,” Vinluan said.
Citing intelligence information, Vinluan said Jainal was involved in the kidnapping of foreigners in recent years, including that of British businessman Allan Hyrons and his wife Filipina wife, Wilma.
The Hyrons couple was seized from their resort in Tukuran town in Zamboanga del Sur on October 4 last year and later brought to Parang town in Sulu, where they were rescued by government troops on November 25.
“He is yet to be charged, there is still no evidence he is involved (in the kidnapping). It’s based on intelligence report,” said Vinluan referring to Jainal, who he said will face further investigation.
