4 Sayyaf fighters surrender in Sulu

From the Daily Express (Aug 16, 2021) 4 Sayyaf fighters surrender in Sulu

SULU: Four bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members yielded on Friday to military units stationed in Sulu, the military said Sunday.

In a statement sent to media on Sunday, the military said those who surrendered turned up at the 101st Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Bud Bayug, Barangay Samak in the municipality of Talipao.

Brigade commander BGen. Bautista identified the former bandits as: Aharam Dajam under sub-leader Hairula Asbang, Asbi Abraham under the late Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Saibi Sawabi under ASG sub-leader Apo Mike, and Alkaab Baki, grandson of sub-leader Sibih Pisih.

“This [the surrender] was made possible by the efforts of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 100th Infantry Battalion, and the 11th Military Intelligence Battalion.

These former ASG members will also turn over their firearms today (Sunday), including two Garand rifles, an M16 rifle, and one .357 revolver,” BGen. Bautista added.

11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales personally received the ex-ASG members’ return to the fold of the law.

MGen. Gonzales also took interest in Baki who, like his grandfather, was forced to join the ASG because of “rido” or clan war. Baki’s grandfather sub-leader Pisih died in an encounter with the military in 2019. The incident forced other bandits related to him to surrender to government forces.

According to 2nd Special Forces Battalion Commander Ltc Jooney Jay Busiños, they will continue to assist Baki and his family.

“We’re working on settling this long-standing conflict so that they could return to their land. If all goes as planned, both parties will be able to live without having to worry for their safety. Katulong namin ang LGU rito” (the local government unit will help us out), said Busiños.

“The ASG is exploiting family conflicts forcing some people to join their group, Busiños added. 

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/176391/4-sayyaf-fighters-surrender-in-sulu-/