Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 16) — A 13-year-old Egyptian terrorist fighter surrendered to authorities in Indanan, Sulu on Wednesday after joining the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) since 2017, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command said the teenage fighter with an alias – “Ibrahim” – is the “last juvenile foreign terrorist on the periodic list.”
He arrived in the country six years ago along with his stepfather, mother, and two brothers, who all died in encounters with the military, the AFP added.
“Speaking in Tausug dialect, Ibrahim expressed his resentment against his mother who dragged him and his brothers into horrific situations where they must fight against the government forces and conduct atrocities,” the WesMinCom said in a statement.
“He thought they were just going on a vacation trip in the Philippines, but he was forced to join the Abu Sayyaf Group,” it said.
Ibrahim was joined by ASG sub-leader identified as “Ellam,” 27, who has been active with the group since 2009.
The two surrendered their weapons to the 1103rd Infantry Brigade which included an M16 rifle, M16A1 rifle, one magazine, and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
