SULU – Four Abu Sayyaf militants have surrendered to Sulu Governor Toto Tan and have been handed over to the military where they are currently being investigated.
The four young militants also surrendered three rifles and an automatic pistol to Tan in the presence of Lt. Col. Amadeo Cruz, commander of the 35th Infantry Battalion, at the Provincial Capitol in Patikul town on Tuesday.
The names of the surrenderees were not made public as military investigation continues in an effort to gather intelligence on the Abu Sayyaf activities in the province.
Tan said village officials of Anuling in Patikul town and the army battalion were instrumental in the surrender of the militants who wanted to live a peaceful life with their families. “They were instrumental in convincing the militants to surrender and return to the fold of the law,” he said. “The four surrenderees are now under the military custody.”
The governor also urged other Abu Sayyaf members to give up fighting and surrender peacefully and avail of the government’s amnesty program. “I hope that other members of lawless groups will follow suit and surrender in order for our people to enjoy an environment that is free from constant threat of fear and terror,” Tan said.
Last week, three Abu Sayyaf fighters – Radjuli Hadjijani, 25; Jun-Jun Elah, 45; and Indek Sahimarri, 28, – also surrendered to the military in Sulu. They also handed over their M1 Garand rifles to the 101st Infantry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo.
Some 127 Abu Sayyaf fighters had surrendered to the military in the Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga City since January this year.
Security forces have intensified its offensive operation against the notorious group in an effort to neutralize those who continue to fight the government. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding nearly a dozen hostages, mostly foreign sailors kidnapped at sea in the restive southern Philippine region over the past years. (Mindanao Examiner)
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