ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Seven Abu Sayyaf members had surrendered to the military here early this week, an official said Thursday.
Colonel Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Joint Task Group Basilan, said the surrender took place on Monday and Tuesday in Sitio Bohe-bohe Pahu in Barangay Camalig in Ungkaya Pukan town.
“The ASG members realized that fighting the government and enduring [a] hard life in the mountains is a lost cause,” Bautista said.
He identified the seven suspected bandits – all surnamed Kasaran – as Sulaiman alias Abu Jaid; Marwin Asan alias Hadjie; Derwin Asan alias Dikki; Halid Asan alias Nasirin Awwalin; Hadzmin Kuluman alias Ammin; Faisal Laudmin alias Issa-Ballie; and Salman Najallon alias Sat-Mhanz.
Bautista did not say how the suspects were related.
Major General Gerardo Barrientos Jr., commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said the surrender of the seven suspected bandits was “a clear victory for the people of Basilan, who yearn for peace and desire to live lawfully and peacefully.”
Barrientos also said it was the first time that an Abu Sayyaf member had surrendered to the government. CDG
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