SURRENDER. An Abu Sayyaf surrenderer hands over a rifle to Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Aquino, Army vice commander, during his visit to the headquarters of the 1101st Infantry Brigade in Barangay Samak, Talipao, Sulu on Wednesday (Sept. 23, 2020). Eight Abu Sayyaf members have surrendered as government troops continue their focused military operation against the bandits in the hinterlands of Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the Joint Task Force Sulu)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Eight members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered as troops sustained their focused military operations against them in the province of Sulu, officials announced Thursday.
Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mateo, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu spokesperson, identified the ASG surrenderers as Abdul Jihili, 28; Abu Yusop, 38; Sahira Sahibul, 28; Ali Jumsa, 38; Piedo Jumahari, 54; Mujib Jainal, 48; Abdul Abubakar, 34; and Ila Abbas, 47.
Mateo said the eight, who are followers of ASG leader Radulan Sahiron and Mundi Sawadjaan, surrendered to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion and 100th Infantry Battalion of the 1101st Infantry Brigade at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
He said they surrendered for fear of their lives as the 1101st and 1102nd Infantry Brigades have sustained their ground operation against the groups of Sahiron and Sawadjaan in the hinterlands of Indanan and Patikul towns on orders of Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, JTF Sulu commander.
The eight were presented to Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Aquino, Army vice commander, during his visit to the headquarters of the 1101st Infantry Brigade in Barangay Samak, Talipao, Sulu.
“This will be a life-changing event on your part as you will be processed by JTF Sulu to go back to the mainstream,” Aquino said as he welcomed them.
Gonzales said there would be no let-up in their focused military operation until the groups of Sawadjaan and Sahiron are neutralized.
He said the Social Integration Program of the Provincial and Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (ELCAC) awaits ASG members who plan to surrender but the full force of JTF Sulu would be focused on those who continue to sow terror.
Gonzales also lauded the local chief executives for their continued support for the troops in the fight against the ASG. (PNA)
