By Nonoy E. Lacson
Zamboanga City – A sub leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and nine of his followers surrendered to the military, Friday, bringing with them their high powered firearms and ammunition in Basilan.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen Arnel Dela Vega identified the ASG sub leader as Bobong Mastul, alias Bobong; and his followers Atotong Sarahadil, Mudzrie Salahudin Jabbon, Sapwan Kapitan Aliman, Nassir Jaid Tahil, Hair Tiglama Kawakibon, Adeh Kawakibon, Rubin Ikih, Aminin Baliyong, and Suedin Muril.
According to Dela Vega, the 10 ASGs also surrendered three M16 rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, an Ingram sub-machine pistol, a 5.56mm carbine, an M1 Garand rifle, various magazines and ammunitions and assorted communication equipment.
Dela Vega said the Abus surrendered to Lt. Col. Philip Fagel, commanding officer of the 64th Infantry Battalion around 10 a.m. Friday, at its headquarters in TARBIDC Compound, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan Province.
The surrenderers are still in the custody of the 64IB for profiling, custodial debriefing, and proper documentation of the turned-over firearms.