Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 10) — Seven more members of the Abu Sayyaf have surrendered to authorities in Sulu, bringing the total number of bandits who have left the group to 47 since January.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) on Wednesday said the Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to troops of Task Force Sulu in Barangay Tandu-Bato in Luuk town at around noon on Monday.
They had links to the late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was killed in a military operation on April 29, the Wesmincom said.
The surrenderees said “they no longer feel safe after Misaya was killed and some of their fellow Abus surrendered,” the Wesmincom added.
Also read: 19 ASG members in Basilan surrender to military
The latest to surrender were identified as Aminula Sakili, Saharijan Sakili, Haydel Sahidul, Sattar Sadjal, Orik Samsuraji, Princibal Abdan, and Annu Asaraji (also known as Anwar).
“The seven Abu Sayyaf members were made to undergo a ceremony wherein they pledged to the Qu’ran that they would no longer involve themselves in any act of terrorism and lawlessness,” the Wesmincom said.
Authorities recovered from the bandits several firearms, including an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a Garand rifle, a caliber .38 pistol, and a caliber .45 pistol.
Among the 47 who have surrendered this year, 11 did so in Sulu, 25 in Basilan, and 11 in Tawi-Tawi.
“The havens that they have previously had are no longer havens for them, thanks in part to the good collaboration that has been going on between the local government, the military, and the police in these areas,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesman BGen. Restituto Padilla told CNN Philippines on Wednesday.
However, Padilla noted that the remaining Abu Sayyaf members may be trying to divert the attention of government forces through threatening other areas like Palawan.
The embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom have warned its citizens against traveling to Palawan after the U.S. Embassy received “credible information” that terrorist groups may be planning to kidnap foreign nationals in the province.
But Padilla said the military will ensure the safety of all citizens and tourists in the area.
Following increased military operations against the group, the Abu Sayyaf is now down to about 300 members from a high of 500, Padilla earlier said.
The military is encouraging other Abu Sayyaf members to lay down their arms. It expects more to surrender in Sulu and Basilan in the coming weeks.
The Armed Forces has promised to defeat the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless groups in Mindanao this year on orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The group is known for kidnapping and beheading its captives, which include both Filipinos and foreigners. As of April 18, the Abu Sayyaf still holds 27 hostages captive, seven of whom are Filipinos.
