ZAMBOANGA CITY — An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader and five followers separately surrendered to government authorities brought about by pressure of the continuous offensive in Sulu, a top military official said Saturday.
Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said four of the five surrenderees, including the ASG sub-leader, surrendered on Thursday in Kalingalang Caluang.
Medina identified the four as ASG sub-leader Berham Lutian alias Vietnam, Abdulsalam Ajul alias Rambo, Simal Sali, and Alvin Alibasa.
They brought along with them an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle, an M-79 grenade launcher and ammunition.
Medina identified the other ASG member who surrendered in Maimbung, also on Thursday, as Ahmajir Ahmad alias Abu Darda, who turned over an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle and ammunition.
He said sacks of rice and groceries were given by Kalingalang Caluang Mayor Peping Halun and Lt. Col. Ramil Holgado, Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) commander as a support to the ASG surrenderees.
They also underwent initial medical check-up and custodial debriefing at MBLT-3 headquarters and were later turned over to Col. Armel Tolato, Philippine Marines Ready Force-Sulu commander in Camp Bautista, Barangy Bus Bus, Jolo, Sulu.
The intensive efforts and dedication to duty of the government troops particularly the Fleet-Marine Forces in Sulu had led to the mass surrender of ASG members and recovery of several loose firearms, the military official said. (PNA)