8 Sayyafs yield in Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 1, 2019): 8 Sayyafs yield in Sulu 

Eight pro-ISIS militants have surrendered to the military as operations against the Abu Sayyaf continue in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, security officials said Monday.

Officials said the militants – Adsjar Hassan Sabdani, Jenyor Daihan Madjid, Araham Abdul, Delson Abdul, Jasim Uppih Umair, Nurhajir Amirol Patta, and Wilson Tatting Asid – also handed 6 rifles and a pistol when they surrendered over the weekend in Parang town.

Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the surrender of the gunmen was the result of the intensified campaign against the Abu Sayyaf. He said dozens of militants and their supporters had yielded to the military since last year.

“The series of capitulations is an offshoot of the no let-up campaign being launched by military troops to quell terrorism in its area of responsibility. With our sustained offensives, we anticipate that more Abu Sayyaf militants will heed the clamor for them to give up, rebuild their hopes, and work for peace with every Suluanon,” he said.

Dela Vega said the military operations will not stop until the Abu Sayyaf is destroyed as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte. “We will sustain pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf to ensure the safety of the people on the ground and that peace in their community will be achieved soon,” he said.

The militants, who were followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Alhabsy Misaya, Sibih Pisih and Apoh Mike, surrendered to Col. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the 1101st Infantry Brigade. The surrender was facilitated by the 2nd Special Forces Battalion. Another Abu Sayyaf fighter, Misal Abdulwahid, a follower of militant leader Idang Susukan, also yielded to Nafarrete.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding nearly a dozen mostly foreign hostages, mostly fishermen, kidnapped off Sabah.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/8-sayyafs-yield-in-sulu/