Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) – An Abu Sayyaf Group member, involved in the kidnapping of Indonesian seafarers off Sabah, Malaysia last January, surrendered to the military on Friday.
The Joint Task Force Sulu said in a statement that the Abu Sayyaf member, identified as alias Dexter, voluntarily turned over his ammunitions to the 6th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Rafael Caido.
Caido said that Dexter was unaware that the group he was with was set to conduct a kidnapping then.
“He actually felt that he was lied to, you know, he treated them as friends but it turned out that he was just used,” said Caido. “He told me that he was forced to facilitate the KFR (Kidnap for Ransom) for fear that he would be killed if he does not comply.”
Acting JTF Sulu Chief MGen. William Gonzales encouraged Abu Sayyaf members to peacefully surrender to authorities.
“All battalions are focused on neutralizing the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) and their logistics to include KFR activities,” he said. “I hope others can also come to their senses and give value to their and their family’s life.”
