13 Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Thirteen Abu Sayyaf bandits including a woman surrendered to the military in Indanan, Sulu on Saturday, security officials said.

The surrender was facilitated by Col. Antonio Bautista Jr., chief of the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Samak.

The bandits turned over five rifles and a grenade launcher, according to Brig. Gen. Manuel Sequitin, deputy commander of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) and Joint Task Force Sulu.

The surrenderees were followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Radullan Sahiron and the late Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was said to be the emir of international terrorist group Islamic State.

Sawadjaan was reportedly behind the numerous kidnapping activities that occurred in the towns of Patikul, Talipao, Maimbung and Indanan.

Bautista identified the female surrenderee as Arlyn Kanlon, 27, who has been on the government’s list of most wanted people.

Kanlon was reportedly supplying logistics to the group of Abu Sayyaf bomber Mudzrimas “Mundi” Sawadjaan, the alleged mastermind in the recent suicide bombing in Jolo.

Kanlon’s husband – also a former Abu Sayyaf bandit – surrendered last year, prompting her to follow him, Bautista said.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of the 11th ID, described the surrender as a result of the relentless efforts of the military and local government units to achieve peace and stability in Sulu.