Abu Sayyaf member surrenders in Patikul, Sulu —military

A member of the rebel group Abu Sayyaf yielded to the military on Friday, the Philippine Army said on Saturday.

The 42-year-old Abu Sayyaf member known by the alias Jahari surrendered to the Army's 92nd Infantry (Tanglaw Diwa) Battalion  (92IB).

Jahari's surrender was facilitated by Lieutenant Colonel Raul Vigo, commanding officer of 92IB.

He was then presented to 1st Brigade Combat Team commander Brigadier General Leopoldo Imbang Jr. in Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul.

Jahari told the Army he thought by joining the Abu Sayyaf, his family's needs would be met. However, they allegedly used his weaknesses to harm his fellow Tausug.

"Our sincerity in bringing peace and development in the Province of Sulu, encouraged more ASG to abandon their armed struggle and to become a productive citizen of the community," Vigo said.

Imbang appealed to other Abu Sayyaf members to lay down their arms and surrender so they can "return to the mainstream of the society." —With a report from Peewee Bacuño/KG, GMA News