AN ABU Sayyaf bandit was killed while two others surrendered after they military clashed with the Abu Sayyaf bandits around 2 a.m. Friday, May 19, in Bangalaw Island, Banguingui, Sulu.
Banguingui is formerly known as the municipality of Tongkil.
The bandits were under the late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was killed in a clash with Marine troops last month in Indanan, Sulu.
Sobejana said the firefight resulted to the death of Misaya’s follower identified only as a certain Imbo.
He said the troops have recovered from Imbo a loaded M16 rifle, a sachet of suspected shabu, and a mobile phone that contains pertinent information of his fellow bandits.
There was no reported casualty on the government side while the Abu Sayyaf bandits were believed to have suffered more casualties as bloodstains were found in their withdrawal path.
“Imbo is an ASG/KFRG (Abu Sayyaf Group/Kidnap-for-ransom-group) member and trusted contact on Bangalaw island of the late Misaya,” Sobejana said.
“He is a KFR contact and facilitator in the island and a keeper of Misaya's firearms and pump boats used in kidnapping ventures,” Sobejana added.
The two ASG members who surrendered were identified as Janatin Mudjaral Madjakin, 44, and his son, Aldaside, 19.
Colonel Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said that the Madjakins surrendered around 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Camp Cordero in the village of Campo Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan.
Uy said they turned over two high-powered firearms consisting of an M16A1 rifle and a grenade launcher.
The commander said difficulties brought about by the continuous military offensive forced them to “decide to go back to the folds of law.”
He said they further revealed that more ASG members are already contemplating to surrender but are just finding the right time. - Bong Garcia