11 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): 11 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Basilan

Eleven bandits, including a sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), have surrendered amid intensified combat operations in the province of Basilan, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) announced on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said the group of ASG sub-leader Ibrahim Malat Sulayman surrendered on Wednesday to the Joint Task Force Basilan.

Sulayman is a native of Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan province.

Galvez said Sulayman and his followers have turned over 11 firearms in a surrender rites held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the municipal hall of Sumisip.

Sulayman's companions were identified as Salimbawa Ahlil Tanjal alias Salim Toong Masud; Salasni Ambing Mahawan alias Ado Emmong; Ahmad Abbi alias Bolkia; Mar-ie Cabulut Indama; Muhammad Kalung-Hassan; Salman Hawkasa; Husael Fernandez; Roy Mendoza Cabiangan; Ebtor Asano; and, Madja Palinta.

They are followers of Basilan-based ASG leaders Nurhassan Jamiri and Furuji Indama.

“With the continuing pressure employed by the troops on the ground, we are confident that more Abu Sayyaf members will be compelled to cross the line. This feat will convince us even more to intensify our offensives against the remaining fighters,” Galvez said.

Sulayman and his companions were turned over to the local government of Sumisip, Basilan for proper disposition.

“We further recognize the assistance extended by the local government of Basilan to support the all-out military campaign of the Joint Task Force Basilan under Colonel Juvymax Uy,” Galvez said.

There were already a total of 96 Abu Sayyaf bandits who surrendered since January, this year, here in Western Mindanao.

Of the total, 54 surrendered in Basilan; 19 in Sulu; 21 in Tawi-Tawi; and, two in Zamboanga City.

“This is, by far, a breakthrough having so many surrendered hard-core ASG members in just a short span of time. We will continue to put pressure until the last bandit will be taken down,” Galvez added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996857