ZAMBOANGA CITY–Three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered as government offensives against the bandits continue in the island province of Sulu, a top military official said Friday.
Joint Task Force Sulu commander, Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, said the three ASG members surrendered in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo town at about 2:12 p.m. on Thursday.
Pabayo identified them as Radjuli Hadjijani, 25; Jun-Jun Elah, 45; and Indek Sahimarri, 28. They also turned over three Caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles.
They have already undergone medical examination and documentation.
Their surrender brings to 127 the total number of ASG members who have yielded to the military in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi since January. Of the total, 58 gave themselves up in Sulu, 62 in Basilan, five in Tawi-Tawi, and two in this city.
The continuing military offensives against the ASG are aimed at rescuing the 10 people still being held captive by the group in the hinterlands of Sulu. The hostages comprise three Indonesians, one Dutch, one Vietnamese, and five Filipinos. ( Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)
