FOUR Abu Sayyaf members, one of them a follower of the slain emir of all Islamic State forces in the Philippines, have surrendered to government authorities in Basilan province, the military reported.

Lieutenant Colonel Napoleon Pabon, Jr., commander of the 68th Infantry Battalion (IB), identified the Abu Sayyaf surrenderers only by their aliases as follows: Alias Tereh, remnant of the group headed by slain emir of Islamic State forces Isnilon Hapilon; Alias John, a follower of former Abu Sayyaf Leader Nurhasan Jamiri; Alias Uking; and, Alias MUSA.

Pabon said they surrendered Wednesday, June 9, in Campo Uno village, Lamitan City, Basilan.

They yielded one Garand rifle, one M-79 grenade launcher, and two caliber .45 pistols with corresponding ammunitions.

Pabon warmly welcomed the Abu Sayyaf surrenderers as they finally embrace peace and return to mainstream society.

He also lauded the municipal government officials of Tuburan headed by Mayor Durie Kallahal for facilitating the surrender of the four Abu Sayyaf bandits. (SunStar Zamboanga)