11 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Basilan

SUMISIP, Basilan – Eleven members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered here last week to the Philippine Army, bringing along their weapons, including high-powered firearms.

Sumisip Mayor Gulam Hataman and local officials facilitated the surrender of the 11 last Wednesday in a simple surrender rite held at the Sumisip Municipal Hall in Brgy. Buli-Buli.

"With the military opening its arms to the peaceful surrender of members of the group, these men were urged by their families to leave banditry, return to the fold of the law, and lead normal lives," Hataman said.

The surrender took place amid the martial law declaration over Mindanao as a result of the attack on Marawi City by the Maute terrorist group, which is allied with the Abu Sayyaf.

Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said the 11 brought along with them 11 assorted firearms — seven high-powered and four low-powered — with magazines and ammunition.

"This is a definite manifestation that our collaborative efforts with the different local government units and other stakeholders in the province of Basilan are not futile actions," Uy said.

"It was made possible because we in the military and the people of Basilan are on the same page in the pursuit of a lasting peace and continued development befitting every Filipino citizen."

The 11 are now under the custody of the local government unit of Sumisip while waiting for further disposition. —Peewee Bacuño/KBK, GMA News