2 Abu Sayyaf subleaders, 13 members surrender in Sulu

Two Abu Sayyaf subleaders and 13 members surrendered to authorities on Friday in Jolo, Sulu, according to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu.

ASG subleaders Alvin Yusop, alias Arab Puti, and Barahim Nurjahar yielded to units under Major General William Gonzales, the commander of the 11th Infantry Division.

The JTF Sulu said both subleaders surrendered through the efforts of the 1101st Infantry Gagandilan Brigade, led by Colonel Antonio Bautista, and the 1002nd Infantry Ganarul Brigade, led by Brigadier General Ignatius Patrimonio.

“I commend both the Ganarul and Gagandilan. Imagine, even Arab Puti, ringleader of the ASG's urban criminal group around 2017 and the most trusted of Radulan Sahiron came to his senses and laid down his arms,” Gonzales said in a statement.

Patrimonio said Yusop was a kidnapper.

However, he was convinced by his family to surrender after his mother suffered a stroke. He also said that Yusop wanted to change because of his four children.

Nurjahar was being hunted by government forces for a long time.

"The presence of government troops drove out Nurjahar from his stronghold and caused him to starve. Realizing that his struggle has no sense, he approached that MNLF Jikiri faction who then linked him to us for his proper surrender," Bautista said.

"Nurjahar was the man behind the kidnapping of the sister of a mayor in Sulu. He will face proper legal proceedings and is now willing to cooperate with government forces," he added.

The JTF Sulu also said that Muarip Adja and Hatimil Adja, sons of an ASG subleader also surrendered.  They also turned over 14 firearms.

The surrenderees will be placed under a full integration program, which includes livelihood assistance.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News