ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered in Patikul, Sulu.
The bandits, whose identities were withheld for their security, also turned over an M16 rifle and an M79 grenade launcher to Lt. Col. Rafael Caido, commanding officer of the 6th Special Forces Battalion, at around 10 a.m. on Friday.
Ten Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered to the military this week.
“Sensing the pressure of the military’s ground, air and Marine operations, members of a local terrorist group in Sulu are finding ways to return to the fold of the law,” Caido said in his report to the Joint Task Force Sulu.
Task force commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales said combat operations against the followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Idang Susukan and Mundi Sawadjaan would be relentless.
Susukan was arrested in Davao City last month.
Sawadjaan was tagged as the mastermind in suicide bombings in Jolo, also last month.