ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Fourteen Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered in Basilan on Wednesday.
The surrenderees were followers of Pasil Bayali, alias Kera. They turned over five M16 rifles, an M653, two M14s, an M1 Garand, two M79 grenade launchers and two 9mm assault rifles to Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City.
Luzon said the surrenderees confirmed that their leader was killed in an encounter with soldiers in the mountains of Barangay Guiong in Sumisip town in June.
Luzon presented the surrenderees to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion commander.
The military is confident that Basilan may soon be declared free of Abu Sayyaf bandits.