ASG subleader, two others surrender in Sulu

A sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to authorities last July 20, according to the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) on Thursday.

The military identified the sub-leader as Tuan Annual Jainal, 42. He surrendered to the forces of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Division in Indanan, Sulu together with other members named as Mubarak Abdullah, 26; and Nibras Salahudin Tampakan, 41.

According to Joint Task Force Sulu commander Major General Corleto Vinluan, Jainal was allegedly involved in kidnapping activities. He said his surrender was a big development for the military.

"Kasama sa mga ano 'yung Indonesian, alam namin kasama pa din 'yun sa Hyrons  eh," Vinluan told reporters.

"Malaking bagay 'yan dahil sub group leader siya eh, siya din 'yung nag-o-operate sa bandang Indanan... siyempre pag subgroup leader siya marami pa siyang ma-convince na magsurrender," Vinluan said.

Vinluan said authorities would check what charges will be filed against them.

According to the WesMinCom, Jainal was known to provide "haven" for ASG members in Indanan town.

The three local terrorists also yielded their high-powered weapons to authorities. They will be presented to local government officials of Sulu for the assistance that will be given to local terrorists who choose to surrender and return to the fold of the law. —LDF, GMA News