Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, 10 others surrender in Basilan

SUMISIP, Basilan Province, Philippines -- An Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and 10 members, including a 12-year old boy, surrendered to the government here Monday, saying they were tired of combat.

Moto Indama, 26, a relative of notorious leader Furuji Indama, and his companions also yielded their high-powered firearms when they presented themselves to Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz and Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Saliman.

They turned over a Minimi sub-machinegun, an M653 assault rifle, an M16 rifle with an attached M203 launcher, an M1 Garand rifle, a shotgun, three .45 caliber pistols, a caliber .38 revolver and ammunition.

Also at the ceremony were 21 other Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered two weeks ago.

Mayor Gulam Boy Hataman said Indama's group initially sent surrender feelers before they gave up.

Among those who surrendered along with Indama were Haimin Hji Jalil, 17; Marham Musana, 18; Sadjara Hadjaraman, 23; Rari Murasimin, 12; Halid Murasimin, 20; Gulam Hajim, 19; Haraward Sahirulla, 20; Basri Laisun, 35; Nasim Baliyung, 21; and Ring Langka, 15, all of Sumisip town.

Indama's group was among those militants in Barangay Baguindan in August and were flushed out by the Army Rangers and Special Forces.

“We witness the bravery of our brothers to surrender. They have chosen to surrender and the path of peace,” Hataman said.

He said they immediately coordinated with the police and military for the formal surrender of the militant members.

“We really want to go back to our peaceful and normal lives but were just hesitant and afraid,” Indama said.

Indama said they were tired of hiding and fighting.

'Surrender saved lives'

Lt. Gen. Dela Cruz described the surrender as a “happy moment” because it saved lives.

“Even our President (Rodrigo) Duterte, who visited recent here said we can’t be killing each other everyday,” Dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz said the 11 Abu Sayyaf members made the right choice in giving up. He said the 12-year-old boy who surrended still has a bright future.

“The Armed Forces and the government is open for your surrender,” Dela Druz said.

Gov. Saliman said the provincial government with the support of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will find ways to help the education of those who surrender as most of them are still young.

He said they want to educate the surrenderees to prevent them from being exposed to extremism.

Saliman said there are still other surrender feelers from other members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

“We are aware of the possible reprisal and we are ready to protect those who surrendered,” Hataman said.