Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu encounter, 2 others surrender

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Marines killed a member of the Abu Sayyaf group in an encounter in Banguingui town, Sulu Friday while two others surrendered in Basilan, military officials said.

Brig. Gen. Cerilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS), said troops from 61st and 65th Marine Company, Marine Special Operation Group (MARSOG) and 2nd Special Forces Battalion encountered the followers of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya at Bangalaw island about 2a.m following pursuit operations.

Sobejana said firefight ensued which killed Imbo, a henchman and contact person of Misaya in their kidnap for ransom (KFR) activities.

Imbo was also the designated keeper of the speedboats of Misaya, who was killed by the Marines late last month in Parang town.

"He is a KFR contact and facilitator in the island and a keeper of Misaya's firearms and pump boats used in kidnapping ventures," Sobejana said.

Sobejana said the Marines recovered from Imbo an M16 rifle and ammunition, a sachet of shabu with five other empty sachets in his pocket and a cellphone containing information pertinent to his fellow bandits.

Meanwhile, two Abu Sayyaf members, a father and son, surrendered with their firearms Thursday night to the military in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Col. Juvymax Uy, 104th Army Brigade and Joint Task Force Basilan (JTFB) commander, said Janatin Mudjaral Madjakin, alias "Atin," 44, and his son Aldasid alias "Alda," 19, surrendered to the troops of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Camp Cordero at Barangay Campo Uno.

He said the duo yielded two high-powered firearms, including an M16A1 rifle and an M79 grenade launcher in their surrender.

Uy said the two decided to go back to the folds of law, citing difficulties because of the relentless military operations.

According to Uy, the two also revealed that more Abu Sayyaf members are already contemplating to surrender but are just finding the perfect time to yield.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. reminded the Abu Sayyaf militants the military is always ready to work for peace without arm confrontation to prevent bloodshed if the militants lay down their firearms.

"But if they prefer to fight, then we will make sure that our troops will get them hard the soonest," Galvez warned.