Another Abu Sayyaf member surrenders in Basilan

BASILAN: Another Abu Sayyaf member has surrendered to the Philippine Army in the southern province of Basilan, this one under the group's late leader.?

Tuttuh (an alias), 28, who was under the Basilan-based group's late leader Furuji Indama, surrendered to the 101st Infantry Brigade on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

A married resident of Bohe Suyak, Sungkayot village, Ungkaya Pukan, Tuttuh also turned over his cal. 38 revolver.?

He was then presented to Joint Task Force Basilan Deputy Commander Col. Frederick Sales.?

Col. Sales said that the surrender was a result of the combined efforts of intelligence groups composed of Air Force and Army personnel who continuously employ peaceful mechanisms to convince the remaining terrorists in Basilan to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.?

Two days earlier, another member of the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf group yielded to the military in Sumisip town.?

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said: “We gladly welcome and encourage the remaining Abu Sayyaf Group members to return to the fold of the law and join the government in working for internal security and development in Basilan.

"Let us contribute to the collective efforts of the different government and non-government sectors to bring about progress in the province."

From January 1 to date, Joint Task Force Basilan has listed a total of 24 Abu Sayyaf surrenders in their area of operation.