2 Abus surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members (ASG) gave themselves up to the military in Sulu, Armed Forces of the PhilippinesWestern Mindanao Command (AFPWesMinCom) reported yesterday.

AFP-WesMinCom Spokesman Army Lt. Col. Gerry M. Besana said Albi Amirol Alih alias Albi; and Obin Umod Mano alias Saip, who belong to the group of ASG sub-leader Idang Susukan, surrendered last Friday to the 21st Infantry Battalion at Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

They were presented yesterday to Col. Peter Angelo L. Ramos, commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade in Sulu, by Lt. Col. Jesus C. Pagala, commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB).

The 501st Infantry Brigade is a unit of the Fifth Infantry Division, which is based in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Sulu of the Western Mindanao Command.

Besana said Albi surrendered an M1 Garand rifle, while Saip turned in his caliber-.45 pistol. They were brought to KHTBSH at Barangay Busbus in Jolo, Sulu for medical examination and debriefing.

“This is another welcome development as more ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members are finally realizing that it is better for them to abandoned the illegal activities they are doing, para naman mabigyan pa sila ng pagkakataon makapagbagong-buhay,” Brig. Gen. Devino Rey Pabayo commander of the Joint Task Force-Sulu said. (Nonoy E. Lacson)