Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to Marines: spokesperson

February 8, 2018

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member surrendered to government forces in Sulu on Wednesday, a military spokesperson said Thursday.

Cpt. Maria Rowena Dalmacio of the Philippine Marines said he is Aldimar Tahil, 20, a resident of Brgy Mahala, Talipao and a member of the terrorist group for four years since 2014.

“He was utilized by the group to watch over the kidnapped victims and acted as the messenger,” she said.

Dalmacio said Tahil surrendered to the troops of Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 in Brgy Tuyang, Talipao, Sulu.

She said Tahil also laid down his 9mm submachine gun  when he surrendered to the government forces.

“Tahil was immediately brought to Camp Bautista Station Hospital, Jolo, Sulu for medical check-up prior to custodial debriefing,” she noted.

Dalmacio said according to Tahil the inhuman treatment of the terrorist group members to kidnap victims is among the reasons  he decided to surrender.

“The group’s inhumane treatment to the kidnapped victims, the kidnapping and beheading of their fellow local Tausog residents and the unfair distribution of ransom made him decide to lay down his arms and submit himself to the government,” she said.

Dalmacio said for the last two weeks, there are now a total of five alleged ASG members who surrendered to the Marines in Sulu. Fifty-seven  various high-powered firearms with magazines and ammunition were also seized. Robina Asido/DMS