Another Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to troops in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 15, 2018) - A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group under sub-leader Maradjan Hadjiri Ayang surrendered to the Marine troops in Sulu at 11am Wednesday (March 14), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay

 Said that Abu Sayyaf member Muksarin Damsid Ayang yielded his M1 Garand rifle with a clip to the Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu led by Major Mark Anthony Larabe. Ayang is involved in the armed engagement with the PMRFS troops that resulted in the recovery of four (4) enemy cadavers and five (5) high-powered firearms in Sitio Tundun, Barangay Mabahay Talipao, Sulu sometime in March 2017. Ayang, 34, is a native of Barangay Matatag, Lamitan City, Basilan and a resident of Barangay Bunut, Indanan, Sulu.

From January 1 to March 15, 2018, troops facilitated the surrender of 40 Abu Sayyaf members, 24 of whom yielded in Sulu, 14 in Basilan, and two in Tawi-Tawi, Cpt. Petinglay added.

“We gladly welcome and encourage other Abu Sayyaf members to return to the fold of the law and join the government in working for internal security and development in Sulu,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Together with every peace-loving Filipino, let us combat terrorism and contribute to the collective efforts of the government and the different sectors to bring about progress in the province.”

Troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 initially interviewed Ayang prior to his transport to Kuta Teodulfo Heneral Bautista in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, according to Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.