Nine alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrender to authorities in Indanan, Sulu, on Aug. 09, 2021. JTF SULU
MANILA, Philippines — Nine alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to authorities in Indanan, Sulu, the Philippine military said Wednesday.
The bandits turned themselves over to the 1102nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters last Monday, with their 3 M1 rifles, 1 M1 Garand rifle, 1 Uzi sub machine gun, 1 US Carbine rifle, and KG9 pistol, the Joint Task Force Sulu said in a statement.
“These people have once gone astray. We are glad that they choose a life of peace instead of hiding,” said 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales.
READ: 5 alleged Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Basilan — AFP
The bandits were identified as alias Mannan Abdul, Aldaser Bingkal, alias Tisoy and alias Madz, all affiliated to sub-leader Basaron Arok; Takiyo Imdan and Totoh Engal under late leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan; Ahamad H Hadjilani under senior leader Radullan Sahiron; alias Abu Jundi under sub-leader Yasser Igasan, alias Ramon under the group of sub-leader Idang Susukan and Alabsi Bisaya.
According to an interview conducted by the task force, one of the surrenderees, Totoh Engal, admitted involvement in the Sipadan kidnappings in 2000.
The alleged ASG member also said that he joined the terror group when he was 25 years old and that he was once wounded in an encounter with the military.
Gonzales said those who yielded will receive livelihood assistance from the government.