SIX members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered in the province of Sulu, the military said Tuesday, October 23.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified them as follows: Mohammad Boyhe, Rojimar Dahim, Abdu Amidol, Kandang Abduhalim Jumadil, Tader Odong Asdure, and Matar Hajarani Saliling.

Dela Vega said they have surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu last Friday in Maimbung, Sulu.

He said the group surrendered through the efforts of Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan of Maimbung and Captain Rico Tagure of the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion.

They turned over six high-powered firearms consisting of an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle, one M-14 rifle, one M-203 grenade launcher, one M-79, and two caliber .30 M1 U.S. Garand rifles. One of the six also turned over a Spring Field Armory Caliber .45 pistol, he added.

The Westmincom chief said they revealed during the custodial debriefing and documentation that they decided to surrender due to programs initiated by the military “for all the rebel returnees.”

The ASG surrenderers were taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station hospital for medical check-up.

Since January this year, a total of 129 ASG surrenderers, including the six, have been listed in the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)