12 Abu Sayyaf Group combatants yield in Sulu


AN Abu Sayyaf Group member turns over his firearm as he surrenders to the military in Talipao, Sulu.
ILIGAN CITY -- Twelve members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, including a minor, operating in Sulu surrendered to the military in Talipao, Sulu Friday, June 10.

They surrendered through the continuous efforts of government security forces, the military's 41st Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Special Forces Battalion.

The former violent extremists submitted themselves to the military at the 1101st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Sitio Samak, Bud Bayug, Talipao.

They turned over five M16 rifles, two M1 Garand rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, one caliber .45 pistol, and one 9mm pistol.

Joint Task Force Sulu deputy brigade commander Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista Jr. said that the former ASG members worked under different leaders and sub-leaders.

During custodial debriefing, one of them revealed that he had been with the group since 1999.

Sometime in 2019, he laid low after realizing that his life has no direction, no peace, and is in imminent danger. He also grew tired of being always on the run while experiencing starvation.