ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two followers of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered to military authorities in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, military officials said Thursday.
Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the surrenderers as Jolo Usman and a certain Abu Jul, both residents of the municipality of Talipao, Sulu.
Templonuevo said the duo turned over two Garand rifles when they surrendered to his command around 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the town of Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Templonuevo said the two were followers of Sibih Pisih, one of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group leaders, who have since laid low and had been staying in Zamboanga Sibugay province since 2016.
Col. Leonel Nicolas, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomed the surrender of Usman and Jul, adding he is also looking forward for other ASG bandits to return to the fold of the law.
“We continuously encourage terrorist groups and their supporters to surrender and submit themselves to the folds of the law and become productive Filipino citizens,” Nicolas said. (PNA)
