SEVEN Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered following a whole of nation approach initiated by the police with the support of the military and intelligence service of the government, an official said Friday, August 5, 2022.
Police Colonel Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the seven Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered after successful negotiations launched when 100 of their Sulu-based cohorts surrendered on July 30 and welcomed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Verceles said they surrendered in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan and were formally presented around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the headquarters of the 84th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) at Sitio San Ramon in Talisay village.
Verceles identified them as: Hamja Palluh Kuddong; Muhar Palluh Attuh; Muang Tawhid Asalal; Makram Palluh Attuh; Hasalal Arwan Palluh; Palluh Tarang Kanduhon; and, Mantalang Akman Palluh.
Verceles said they are followers of Basilan-based Abi Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali and former sub-leader Nurhasan Jamiri.
Jamiri has surrendered to the government in Basilan province along with 12 of his followers on March 28, 2018.
Verceles said the surrenderers were involved in kidnapping for ransom, harassment, ambuscades, extortion, illegal drug trading and other terroristic activities in Basilan and nearby provinces to include Zamboanga City.
He said they yielded a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, Springfield caliber .45 pistol, and one a caliber 5.56 millimeter revolver with ammunition. (SunStar Zamboanga)