2 Sayyaf terrorists yield in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists have surrendered to the Philippine Navy in the southern province of Sulu with security officials promising them livelihood aid and other benefits as part of the government’s efforts to bring lasting peace in the restive region.

A photo released by the Philippine Navy shows the two Abu Sayyaf terrorists with Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr and Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters in Zamboanga City. 

The duo, whose names were not made public by security officials, was presented to Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr and Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters in Zamboanga City.

The surrender was facilitated by the Naval Task Force 61 and Joint Task Force-Sulu, but the Navy did not give details of the operation that led to the peaceful surrender of the terrorists.

The duo also handed over their weapons – A KG9 submachine gun and Garand rifle.

“The ASG surrenderees underwent medical check-up at Camp Navarro General Hospital and were found to be in good physical health condition prior to their turning over to the Joint Task Force- Sulu for proper documentation and possible inclusion in Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and Program against Violent Extremism for ASG members in Sulu province,” the Navy said.

Just last month, three notorious Abu Sayyaf gunmen - Ebin Hapas, 60; Jurim Hapas, 61; and Mujir Aharadhi, 29 - also surrendered to the police in Sulu.

Jurim was among those who participated in the April 2000 kidnappings of 21 European and Malaysian nationals in the island-resort of Sipadan off Sabah. Many of the hostages were freed by the Abu Sayyaf months later after Libya, which helped negotiate for their safe release, paid huge ransoms to the kidnappers. 

It was unknown whether the trio had been granted amnesty by the government or also offered freedom and provided livelihood aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and Program against Violent Extremism. (Mindanao Examiner)