TWO members of a criminal group suspected to have ties with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the local Maute Terror Group surrendered to the police in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Tuesday, June 27.

Senior Superintendent Nestor Tiempo, acting Zamboanga Sibugay police director, identified them as Hussein Abbas and his twin brother, Hassan, both residents of the village of Kasigpitan, Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Tiempo said the Abbas twins, who have pending warrant of arrest for robbery with homicide, surrendered around 2:20 p.m. at the Municipal Police Station of Talusan.

They were accompanied by Talusan Vice Mayor Ralimson Ramiso and Mabuhay Vice Mayor Annam Dammang when they surrendered to the police.

Tiempo said the twin brothers surrendered amid intense law enforcement operation against wanted persons in the province.

The police director said the twin brothers are members of the notorious Itting Abbas Criminal Group, involved in sea piracy, extortion, and illegal drug trade in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

He said the criminal group is allegedly affiliated with the ASG and Maute terror group.

The Abbas twins were placed under the custody of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office for tactical interrogation and paraffin test. (SunStar Philippines)