‘Trusted’ aide of Abu Sayyaf leader Sahiron yields

Photo courtesy of Westmincom

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An alleged trusted aide of an Abu Sayyaf leader and another member of the dreaded kidnap group surrendered to the military and voluntarily handed over their firearms on Monday, the military announced on Wednesday.

Colonel Gerry Besana, public affairs officer of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) identified the two Abu Sayyaf surrenderers as Nidsmar Annuddin, 23, one of the trusted men of Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf chief Radullan Sahiron; and Limo Ammad, 45, a follower of ASG’s late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

Annuddin also surrendered his M16 rifle while Ammad handed over his Garand rifle to the personnel of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Westmincom

Besana said the duo were now undergoing custodial debriefing and medical check-up at the military headquarters of the 21st Infantry Battalion in Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

They were presented to Brigadier-General Ariel Felicidario III, the 1101st Brigade commander also based in Danag, following their surrender.

Brigadier-General Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the surrender of Sahiron’s man was “one blow to their group.”

“Many members will be on low morale now and soon, many will plan to follow on his footstep,” he added.

Almost a hundred bandits have surrendered in Sulu within 313 days or from May 30, 2018 to April 8, 2019, Pabayo said.

Based on their count, 96 Abu Sayyaf have surrendered during this period, including sub-leader Jaber Susukan, while 69 others were killed in different military operations.

Among those killed were Idang Susukan and Anga Adji, both sub-leaders involved in kidnappings on the Malaysian waters off Sabah.

Pabayo said the surrenders have also turned over 115 high-powered firearms and 13 watercraft.

“Within the 313 days, we also rescued 25 kidnap victims,” Pabayo added./lzb