4 Abu bandits surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Four Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged in high-profile kidnaping cases including the Sipadan hostage-taking incident recently surrendered to the military in Panamao, Sulu.

The bandits turned over three rifles and a pistol to the 4th Marine Brigade based in Barangay Seit Lake on Thursday, according to Col. Hernanie Songano, commander of the 4MB and Naval Task Group Sulu.

The surrenderees were identified as Sikal Hussien Juhurin, alias Sikal Hussien; Jumadil Sali, alias Juma; Ibnorajik Aranan Igasan, alias Ibno, and Marajan Jawae Mahing, alias Marajan.

Citing intelligence reports, Songano said Juhurin ranked 38th in the list of the Sulu police’s most wanted bandits.

Songano said Juhurin admitted that his four elder siblings were subleaders of the bandit group and his father, Juhurin Hussein, was a close aide of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, alias Putol.

The military said Juhurin was involved in the kidnapping of a German couple seized in the waters off Puerto Princesa, Palawan in 2014.

Juhurin was also tagged in the kidnapping of two Canadians on Samal Island, Davao in 2015 as well as of an Indonesian and a Malaysian in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Meanwhile, Sali was tagged in the Sipadan kidnapping, but left the group after his leader Mujib Susukan was killed in a military operation.

Igasan served as a spotter, look-out and errand boy for the Abu Sayyaf during the Indonesian and Malaysian kidnapping incidents.

Mahing was a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Sansibar Bencio, who was captured in Sabah.

The surrender was facilitated by the local government units in coordination with the Marine Battalion Landing Team, according to MBLT-7 chief Lt. Col. Eduardo Olaso.