Sayyaf man killed in clash; 2 surrender

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Another Abu Sayyaf bandit died in an encounter with government troops in Sulu while two others surrendered in Basilan on Friday.

An alias Imbo was the alleged henchman of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya. He was also said to be the keeper of the firearms and pump boats used in kidnappings by Misaya’s group.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said troops from the 61st and 65th Marine Company, Marine Special Operations Group and 2nd Special Forces Battalion clashed with Misaya’s followers on Bangalaw island at around 2 a.m. 

An M16 rifle and ammunition, a sachet of shabu and a mobile phone containing information about other bandits were reportedly recovered from Imbo.

Meanwhile, Janatin Mudjaral Madjakin, 44, alias Atin, and his son Aldasid, alias Alda, 19, surrendered to the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion at Camp Cordero in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan. They turned over an M16A1 rifle and an M79 grenade launcher. 

Col. Juvymax Uy, 104th Army Brigade and Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said Madjakin bared that more Abu Sayyaf bandits are planning to surrender.

The military is intensifying its operations to meet the June 30 deadline to finish off the Abu Sayyaf.