Filtered By: Topstories
News

ASG member involved in kidnapping of Indonesians, 2 others surrender


An Abu Sayyaf Group member who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Indonesian seafarers and two others surrendered in Sulu on Friday, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) announced Saturday.

According to WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., “Dexter” surrendered along with Albasid Salim alias Abu Sabad and Edwin Panduga Abdulmain alias Splakang.

The WestMinCom said Dexter claimed that he was not aware that the group was going to kidnap people, and he was forced to go along with it because he feared for his life.

Dexter said he “felt that he was lied to” as he treated his fellow members as his friends but “it turned out that he was just used.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Caido, the acting commanding officer of the 6th Special Forces Batallion, said that Dexter was involved in the kidnapping of five Indonesian seafarers who were fishing in Malaysian waters in January.

“He was also present during the group’s encounter with the troops of the on 3rd Light Reaction Company, 4th Special Forces Company, and the Navy and Air Force troops in Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu on January 18,” Caido said.

The former ASG members also surrendered one M1 Carbine, one G1 battle rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, and assorted ammunition.

They are undergoing custodial debriefing at 6th Special Forces Batallion headquarters in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu.

“We welcome the surrender of the ASG members and acknowledge the support of the local government and the people in our efforts to defeat the terrorists,” Vinluan said. — DVM, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT