7 Abu Sayyaf  members surrender in Sulu

May 9, 2017

The head of a joint task force pursuing the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu said seven members of the armed group surrendered Monday, a statement by the military said Tuesday. Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said the seven  surrendered in Sitio Kanjawali, Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu Five among the seven surrenderees were followers of slain ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya. They were Aminula Sakili, Saharijan Sakili, Hayden Sahidul, Sattar Sadjal and Orik Samsuraji while two were followers of ASG sub-leader Tomas Idjas, namely: Princibal Abdan and Annu Asaraji. They surrendered with an M14,M16, M1 Garand, caliber .45 and one caliber .38 with several ammunition, the statement said. The seven were tendered with 'Pledge of Commitment Ceremony' at Camp Teodulfo Bautista at the conference toom  in the presence of Luuk, Sulu Vice Mayor Nayola  Hamsani, Alnur Arbison, board member of the 2nd District of Sulu and other stakeholders. The pledge of commitment was officiated by an Imam who read some verses from the Holy Qur'an then gave a sermon about the true meaning of Jihad and Islam teaching to the seven surrenderees who commit themselves to renew their lives. They also vowed to follow the teachings of Islam that forbids the evil doings of the ASG. Sobejana said “it just a matter time” before the military finds the other Abu Sayyaf members. “We will not stop until the last of these terrorists and other lawless elements are neutralized so that we can all focus in developing this province that has a lot of potentials,” said Sobejana. (Robina Asido/ DMS)