Abu surrenders, another nabbed by operating troops

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 22, 2017) - Due to continuous pressure through unrelenting combat operations by the different Task Forces under the Western Mindanao Command, one Abu Sayyaf member voluntarily surrendered to the soldiers in Sulu, while another bandit was nabbed by government troops in Basilan, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Abu Sayyaf member Absara Mursalin Akbara, a.k.a. Talin Amsang, a 41 year old and a resident of Talipao municipality, turned-over himself to the troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion at 10am on Sunday (March 19) at Sitio Palan, Barangay Mampallam, Talipao, Sulu. He also surrendered his firearm one (1) M16 rifle to the government authorities.

Immediate medical check-up and documentation were done to Akbara before he was turned-over to the Sulu PNP for filing of appropriate charges, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Akbara is a member of the ASG Sub-Group under Jihad Susukan, operating in the Municipalities of Talipao, Maimbong and Indanan of Sulu Province.

During the initial investigation, Akbara revealed that he opted to surrender due to fear that he be the next target of the military offensives. He said that he no longer feels safe as communities have been tipping-off the sanctuaries and homes of Abu Sayyaf members.

Cpt. Petinglay also disclosed that an ASG member Abdul Muhsin Nur belonging to the group of Furuji Indama was apprehended by the soldiers of the 18th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Block 4, Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province at 11:30 Monday morning (March 20).

Nur's location was reported by a concerned citizen from the same area where he was apprehended, Cpt. Petinglay added.

"This is an offshoot of the command's relentless focused military operations against the ASG inside their strongholds and comfort zones," MGEN Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, says.

"We will maintain the momentum and we will deny this "evil" bandits safe havens and hiding areas with the strong support of Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, all the governors, mayors and barangay officials of ARMM, including the traditional and religious leaders," he added.

"WestMinCom and the AFP will continue the pressure and sustain the strategic alliance with our partners in eradicating the ASG menace and terror threats in Central and Western Mindanao. For as long as the community and the local government units are with us in this fight, we will surely accomplish our mission at the soonest possible time. Together we can make things happen," declares the WestMinCom Commander.