TWO Abu Sayyaf bandits, who were involved in high-profile atrocities, surrendered to government authorities in Basilan province, the military reported.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, citing security reasons, identified them only through their aliases as a certain Mubin and Daky.

Adaci said the two surrendered and turned over M16A1 and Garand rifles on Wednesday, September 8, in the municipality of Ungkaya through the joint efforts of the Naval Task Force 61, 18th Infantry Battalion and local government officials.

They were involved in the 1995 attack in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sipadan kidnapping in 2000, Lamitan siege in 2001 and other atrocities in Basilan province, according to Adaci.

He said the two decided to surrender as they were exhausted from fleeing due to continued focused military operations and wanted to reunite with their families, as well as to live normal life.

He said Mubin and Daky were turned over to the custody of Mayor Darussalam Lajid of Al-Barka town and Vice Mayor Jomar Maturan of Ungkaya Pukan municipality in preparation for their enrollment in the reintegration and rehabilitation program of the government. (SunStar Zamboanga)