A LEADER of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and 10 followers have surrendered to government authorities to live a peaceful life in Basilan province, the military reported.
Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the ASG sub-leader who surrendered as Abdullah Indanan alias Abu Guro.
Indanan and his 10 followers surrendered to Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander, at noontime Tuesday, March 29, in Serongon village, Hadji Mohammad Ajul.
"The surrender was facilitated by our troops in collaboration with Hadji Samad of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Ceasefire Committee and Cessation of Hostilities (MILF CCCH) and other MILF leaders and members," Gobway said.
The ASG surrenderers turned over 11 high-powered firearms that include seven M-16 Armalite rifles, including one with attached M-203 grenade launcher, one M1 Carbine rifle, two M-16 Baby Armalite rifles, and one M4 rifle.
Indanan surrendered four days after Basilan-based ASG leader Radzmil Jannatul alias Abu Khubayb was killed on March 25 in Sitio Center, Baiwas, Sumisip, Basilan.
Jannatul was killed in a 15-minute clash with government troops on March 25 in Sitio Center, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip.
Rosario commended the troops for these successes and attributed them to the unwavering support of the local government units, partners, and stakeholders of the military in Basilan province. (SunStar Zamboanga)