Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to Marines

From GMA News (Feb 9): Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to Marines

A Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf member turned over his “Uzi” submachine gun as he surrendered to members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 yesterday morning.

Aldimar Tahil, 20 years old and a resident of Barangay Mabahay, Talipao, Sulu, surrendered to the troops under Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cabanlet, commander of the MBLT-1, in Barangay Tuyang, Talipao, Sulu, after he finally decided to leave his former life as an Abu Sayyaf member.

Tahil was formerly with Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Berham Lutian, who is operating in Sulu Province and its waters.

“According to Tahil, he was already tired of hiding from the government forces and he was afraid those who surrendered ahead of him will eventually give his identity to the soldiers, thus his surrender,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu escorted Tahil to the army headquarters in Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu for the medical checkup and documentation procedures.

Tahil is the eighth Abu Sayyaf member to surrender in Sulu this year.

“Since January last year, we already processed 174 Abu Sayyaf surrenderees. Most of them also turned over their firearms to the security forces,” said Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command. “All of them will be made to undergo the prepared rehabilitation and reintegration programs prepared by the Regional and Provincial Governments in the area,” said Galvez.

“Imagine how difficult it would be for our communities and our people if these 174 bandits/terrorists are still out there, unidentified and very capable of launching criminalities and terroristic acts, such as kidnapping, bombing, and seajacking,” he added.

“We, from the security sector, are very thankful for the recent developments. Rest assured that we will be more than motivated to work hard to get the remaining bandits who are still out there, still undecided and still confused,” Galvez said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/642784/sulu-based-abu-sayyaf-member-surrenders-to-marines/story/