Basilan declared Sayyaf-free

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military has declared Basilan free from the presence of Abu Sayyaf bandits after the remaining eight members of the group surrendered on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, chief of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, identified the former Abu Sayyaf bandits as Abul, Julhair, Makrin, Marjan, Tawakkal and Yusup, all surnamed Bayali as well as Apong Upaman and Hasib Tularan.

The former bandits said the relentless efforts of the military, supported by the local government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, prompted them to return to the fold of the law.

The surrenderees were presented to Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman and other local officials during a ceremony in Barangay Guiong.

The former bandits turned over five rifles, a grenade launcher and ammunition to the military.

“We welcome the surrender of the Bayali group. I lauded their decision to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society,” Luzon said.

Hataman said the surrender would bring lasting peace and progress in Sumisip and the entire Basilan.

The surrenderees will be placed under the custody of the local government.