Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 13 Sayyaf terrorists yield in Sulu

Sunday, January 17, 2021

13 Sayyaf terrorists yield in Sulu

Posted to the Mindanao Examiners (Jan 17, 2021): 13 Sayyaf terrorists yield in Sulu

Over a dozen Abu Sayyaf terrorists surrendered to the military in Sulu province with security officials offering possible amnesty despite the group’s notoriety and ruthless campaign in the volatile Muslim region.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, said 13 terrorists, including a woman who provided “logistical support” to an Abu Sayyaf, surrendered over the weekend in Talipao town.

He also led a ceremony where the terrorists were given white envelope each and believed to contain money in exchange for the weapons they surrendered – three Garand rifles, one M16 automatic rifle, one Carbine rifle and a grenade launcher.

The terrorists were followers of notorious Abu Sayyaf leaders Radulan Sahiron and Hajan Sawadjaan.

“Notably, one of the surrenderees, 27-year old Arlyn Kanlon, is in the government’s wanted list. She provided logistical support to the group of her cousin, infamous bomber Mundi Sawadjaan. Her husband, who is also a former member of the Abu Sayyaf, also surrendered to the authorities in the last quarter of 2020,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales lauded the efforts of the troops in convincing the terrorists to surrender peacefully, saying it demonstrates the relentless efforts of the government forces to bring peace in the region. He urged the terrorists to grab this opportunity to begin a new, peaceful and productive life.

“The surrendered individuals will undergo the Abu Sayyaf Returnees Localized Social Integration Program aimed at providing a holistic transition and reformation program for them to return to mainstream society,” he said.

Thousands of Abu Sayyaf in the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi surrendered to the government the past 2 decades since the time of President Fidel Ramos and were provided financial and livelihood programs. But almost all of them cannot be accounted for now and many re-joined the Abu Sayyaf or other rebel groups after spending their money. (Zamboanga Post)