ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) – Twenty-three members of the Abu Sayyaf recently surrendered to government forces, including four new members from the island of Sulu.
The ASG members now cover limited areas of Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi or Zambasulta, according to the police.
The ASG members surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Likod, Pata town in the province of Sulu. Among those who surrendered were Aldin Hadil Akmad, Willing Ibba Jaabal, Ijal Samsain Sadjal, and Ema Rladjar Udjah.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Joints Task Force Sulu, said that the Civilian Army Auxiliary personnel were instrumental in the surrender of the 23 Abu Sayyaf members.
Twenty-one Abu Sayyaf men surrendered in Tawi-tawi, while two more bandits surrendered to policemen in Zamboanga City.
Before this, 63 Abu Sayyaf men of Nurhasan Jamiri in Basilan had earlier surrendered to military troops. They also surrendered their high-caliber weapons.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, acknowledged the heroism of the troops in these provinces, saying they have not stopped pursuing Abu Sayyaf bandits who were involved in criminal activities and threaten peace in the region.
(Christine Garcia – Eagle News Service Correspondent)