ELEVEN Abu Sayyaf bandits, including a sub-leader, surrendered in the midst of intensified government offensive in Basilan province, the military said on Thursday, June 22.
Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said the Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered on Wednesday to the Joint Task Force Basilan.
Galvez identified the Abu Sayyaf sub-leader who surrendered as Ibrahim Malat Sulayman, a native of the village of Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan province.
His companions were identified as the following: Salimbawa Ahlil Tanjal alias Salim Toong Masud; Salasni Ambing Mahawan alias Ado Emmong; Ahmad Abbi alias Bolkia; Mar-ie Cabulut Indama; Muhammad Kalung-Hassan; Salman Hawkasa; Husael Fernandez; Roy Mendoza Cabiangan; Ebtor Asano; and, Madja Palinta.
They are followers of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group leaders Nurhassan Jamiri and Furuji Indama.
Galvez said they turned over 11 firearms in a surrender rites held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, in the municipal hall of Sumisip.
“With the continuing pressure employed by the troops on the ground, we are confident that more Abu Sayyaf members will be compelled to cross the line. This feat will convince us even more to intensify our offensives against the remaining fighters,” Galvez said.
Sulayman and his companions were turned over to the local government of Sumisip, Basilan for proper disposition.
“We further recognize the assistance extended by the local government of Basilan to support the all-out military campaign of the Joint Task Force Basilan under Colonel Juvymax Uy,” Galvez said.
There were already a total of 96 Abu Sayyaf bandits who surrendered since January, this year, here in Western Mindanao.
Of the total, 54 surrendered in Basilan; 19 in Sulu; 21 in Tawi-Tawi; and, two in Zamboanga City. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)