3 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Basilan amid martial law
The three Abu Sayyaf members voluntarily surrendered without condition for fear of their lives due to the government's relentless pursuit. Philstar.com/File photo
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Three members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered Thursday to the local government of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, police said.
Tarsan Pimping Tong, Otsoy Harisul Subhan and Teban Pasalun Abdulaji initially turned themselves to Tipo-Tipo town Vice Mayor Tong Istarul to facilitate their surrender to the military.
Istarul presented the three Abu Sayyaf members to commanders of the 18th and 74th Infantry Battalions (IB) and Tipo-Tipo police chief, Police Senior Inspector Mujahid Asmawil.
Istarul said the three Abu Sayyaf members claimed they were already feeling the pressure following the declaration of martial law and the continuous military pursuit operations.
President Rodrigo Duterte last week placed Mindanao under martial law amid ongoing clashes between the state forces and the Islamic state-inspired Maute group.
He said the three militants voluntarily surrendered without condition for fear of their lives due to the government's relentless pursuit.
Their surrender have already brought close to 50 Abu Sayyaf members in Basilan who surrendered since January this year.
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