A BASILAN-BASED Abu Sayyaf bandit surrendered to the military authorities in Patikul town, Sulu, officials said Thursday, May 2.

Colonel Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified the Abu Sayyaf surrenderer as Omar Mustamud alias Abu Kompor, a resident of Parang Basak, Lamitan City, Basilan.

Besana said Mustamud surrendered to the troops of the Army’s Special Forces Battalion around 9 a.m. Wednesday in Buhanginan village.

Mustamud, who turned over an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle, is a follower of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Khair Mundos.

Mustamud was presented to Brigadier General Peter Angelo Ramos, Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade commander, prior to his medical check-up and custodial debriefing at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.

Westmincom chief Arnel Dela Vega welcomed the decision of Mustamud to surrender and live a peaceful life.

Dela Vega said the Westmincom will continue to provide support to those who decided to return to the folds of the law.

“We are also exerting effort in reaching out those who are having second thoughts to surrender,” Dela Vega said. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)