3 Abu Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan

From Malaya Business Insight (May 29): 3 Abu Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan

THREE members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered to the military in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan on Saturday, four days after President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao.

The military’s Western Mindanao Command named the four as Usman Mussa, alias Akkus; Balie Kasaran, alias Balie; Sadar Tutuh Kasaran, alias Sadan; and Sarwin Askalin Kasaran, alias Win.

The four, all residents of Al Barka town in Basilan, turned over two M16 rifles and one cal .30 M1 Garand rifle during their surrender, said Wesmincom spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay.

Petinglay said the four surrendered at around 2 p.m. Saturday to the officials of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion at the headquarters in Sitio Camalig, Barangay Bohe Pahu.

She said the four were under with Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri whose group is being blamed by officials for numerous atrocities against military and civilian targets in Basilan.

“The martial law declaration made them more fearful for their safety as soldiers can already knock at their doorstep without the necessary warrants,” said Petinglay, citing one of the reasons the four surrendered.

President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao last Tuesday night, hours after members of the Maute Group sowed violence in Marawi City. Government forces are still trying to resolve the conflict as of yesterday.

Quoting Joint Task Force Basilan commander Col. Juvymax Uy, Petinglay said the four surrendered also after they learned of the recent killing of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Muammar Askali and Alhabsy Missay Misaya in Bohol and Sulu.

The military is targeting to defeat the Abu Sayyaf by next month.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/3-abu-sayyaf-men-surrender-basilan