ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Ten Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Army Division said a group of bandits surrendered to the 1102nd Brigade under Col. Ignatius Patrimonio on March 6 and turned over their Garand rifles.
Another group of bandits surrendered on March 9 to Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, commander of the 41st Infantry Battalion. They were said to be followers of Hatib Hakan Sawadjaan, a local leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
The bandits cited lack of support from residents due to sustained military humanitarian missions and operations for their surrender.