ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - An Abu Sayyaf member voluntarily surrendered to the military in an east coast village this city late Friday afternoon, according to a military official.
Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga, said Abdurahim Nasalan alias Papoy Nasalon yielded as the government forces stepped up the security operation in the region following the spate of bombings.
Colina said the suspect, tagged as member of the Zamboanga City-based Abu Sayyaf group surrendered without firearm to the joint intelligence elements of the Task Force Zamboanga and the 14th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) about 4 p.m. at Barangay Muti.
Nasalan’s surrender was witnessed by Muti barangay councilors Abdil Amajad and Henry Aring.
“He surrendered may be because of the tight security operation and perhaps, it could also be an effect of the observance of Ramadan that one has to fast and repent,†Colina said.
Colina said Nasalan was placed under custodial debriefing to determine his participation in the Abu Sayyaf operation.
Meanwhile, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) beefed up its coastal operation to intercept possible movement of the Abu Sayyaf group in this part of the region.
Rear Admiral Isabelo Gabor, NFWM chief, said naval assets have been strategically deployed in areas known as hot spots and used by Abu Sayyaf terror group as jump off points in staging attacks.
“We have intensified the maritime surface and air patrol in our area of responsibility, †Gabor said.