21 Abu Sayyaf fighters surrender in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- Twenty-one members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the military in Sumisip town, Basilan on Thursday.

 

The bandits also surrendered high-powered firearms during a ceremony attended by local officials, according to Col. Thomas Cirilo Donato, commander of the Army's 104th Infantry Brigade.

 

Donato, Basilan Provincial Police Office deputy chief Supt. Christopher Panapan, and Sumisip Mayor Boy Hataman formally accepted the ‘surrenderees’ at Barangay Buli-Buli, Sumisip town.

 

Those who surrendered were identified as Muril Baliyong, Iklaman Kanyu, Wilril Muril, Dawasa Dimasan, Jammer Balaman, Kamar Asnaton, Katatong Balaman, Kapitoy Nasalon, Apeng Balaman, Nhas Mustakin, Amarin Bantili, Alamin Baliyong, Musid Muril, Attong Sangkalahas, Bokoy Baliyong, Jhony Astana, Rit Iklaman, Mahotong Iklaman, Kaim Iklaman, Ittasirin Bantili, Rayan Turul.

 

Among the firearms surrendered were three M16 Armalite rifles, a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, one M79 grenade launcher, and a cal.45 pistol.

 

Donato said the surrender was facilitated by Mayor Hataman and local leaders of Sumisip after the Abu Sayyaf fighters sent feelers of their intention to surrender.

 

The military said the ‘surrenderees’ will be endorsed to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman to help in their rehabilitation and reintegration into the mainstream of society.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been conducting operations against the Abu Sayyaf, particularly in nearby Sulu province.