7 more Abus yield to troops as offensives continue in Sulu

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Western Mindanao Command, Zamboanga City  (The Redline News Philippines) - Seven more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to the elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu under the Western Mindanao Command last Monday as the all-out military offensives continue to contain the bandits in Sulu.

Abu Sayyaf members Aminula Sakili, Saharijan Sakili, Haydel Sahidul, Sattar Sadjal, Orik Samsuraji, Princibal Abdan, and Annu Asaraji, a.k.a. Anwar, yielded to the elements of the Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu, the MID2, and the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 in Sitio Kanjawali, Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu at 12:35pm, Monday (May 8).

The surrendered Abu Sayyaf members also turned over an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a Garand rifle, a Caliber .38 pistol, and a Caliber .45 pistol.

The subjects are followers of sub-leaders Sansibar Bensio and Tomas Idjas, who are under the late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

The seven Abu Sayyaf members were made to undergo a ceremony wherein they pledged to the Qu'ran that they would no longer involve themselves in any act of terrorism and lawlessness.

Initial information taken from them indicates that they surrendered for fear that the government will suddenly be at their door step already. They said they no longer feel safe after Misaya was killed and some of their fellow Abus surrendered.

On Sunday, a known follower of ASG top leader Furuji Indama also turned himself in to the military in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.The bandit was identified as Hussin Asrap Wahid, 28-years-old and a resident of Sitio Bato Maputi, Barangay Baguindan.

As of this report, there are a total of 48 Abu Sayyaf bandits who have laid down their arms. Of this number, 12 have yielded to the government forces in Sulu, 25 in Basilan, and 11 in Tawi-Tawi.

"The combat operations are continuously being launched by our ground troops to put more pressure on the Abu Sayyaf," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

"We welcome the continuous surrender of Abu Sayyaf members as indicative of the sustained offensives to compel the bandits to yield to the troops and release the remaining hostages."

"Again, we reiterate our call for the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits to surrender. It will be a matter of time before soldiers will get you. Decide to do the right thing now before it is too late," added Lieutenant General Galvez. (PRNews/posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News Philippines)