AFP: Sulu now Abu Sayyaf-free  

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – After more than two decades, Sulu has been cleared of Abu Sayyaf bandits, according to the military.

The Municipal Task Force to end Local Armed Conflict declared the Omar town Abu Sayyaf-free last week, Col. Alaric delos Santos, 11th Alakdan Division civil-military chief, said.

The declaration followed the surrender of the followers of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was tagged in cross-border kidnappings.

The surrenderees turned over their guns and pledged commitment to the government during a ceremony held at the town’s gymnasium in Barangay Lahing-Lahing.

Delos Santos said the towns of Maimbung, Indanan, Talipao and Patikul had earlier been declared Abu Sayyaf-free.

“Sulu is technically cleared of Abu Sayyaf bandits. To make it official, all municipalities which were previously considered as affected and influenced... each have to make their official declaration,” Delos Santos said.

The military said the surrender of the 21 followers of Radullan Sahiron in June signaled the fall of the terror group.

Delos Santos said the military is still trying to confirm reports that Sahiron had died of a lingering illness.

Seven other Abu Sayyaf bandits, including suicide bomber Mudzrimar Mundi Sawadjaan, are in the military’s order of battle.

“We can declare total victory against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu once we have neutralized Mundi Sawadjaan,” Delos Santos said.

Sawadjaan was last monitored in Basilan after escaping from Sulu.

“We are optimistic that ground troops will be able to get him because he is on unfamiliar ground,” Delos Santos said.