(CNN Philippines, May 20) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said its troops had killed an Abu Sayyaf member in Sulu, while two more surrendered in Basilan.

According to a statement by the WestMinCom, the Joint Task Force engaged in a firefight with Abu Sayyaf members in Bangalaw Island, Banguingui, Sulu on Friday, resulting in the death of a certain “Imbo.”

Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said Imbo was a kidnap for ransom (KFR) facilitator working for the rebel group’s sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was killed in an encounter last month.

“He is a KFR contact and facilitator in the island and a keeper of Misaya’s firearms and pump boats used in kidnapping ventures,” Sobejana said.

READ: Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Sulu – AFP

Troops recovered an M16 rifle, magazines, ammunition, and illegal drugs from Imbo.

Meanwhile, two Abu Sayyaf gunmen under sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri surrendered to Joint Task Force Basilan, led by Col. Juvymax Uy, on Thursday.

Uy said Janatin Mudjaral Madjakin and his son, Aldasid Madjakin, claim more members of the bandit group are considering to surrender, citing “difficulties because of the relentless military operations.”

“We also want to work for peace without the use of arms and prevent bloodshed…we are encouraging other Abu Sayyaf bandits, as Filipinos, to lay down their arms and join the government in working for a peaceful and progressive Mindanao,” said WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.

READ: 7 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Sulu

However, Galvez maintained that troops are ready to fight if the rebels do not surrender.

In its report, WestMinCom said 27 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group have already surrendered in Basilan.