A relative of slain Islamic State leader Isnilon Hapilon and two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under top leaders Furuji Indama and Nurhasan Jamiri surrendered to the government, as combat operations are being intensified in Basilan.
Ben Salina Sapilin, alias Ben, a cousin of Hapilon, and two others identified as Rami Ben Sapilin and Muhamadendeng, yielded to soldiers at Barangay Macalang, Albarka, Basilan, on Tuesday.
Surrendered by the group were an M-16 rifle, a Garand rifle and an M-79 rifle.
Rami Ben Sapilin, alias Attik is a follower of Nurhasan Jamiri, while Muhamadendeng, alias Aburayhad, is a follower of Furudji Indama.
The three yielded to members of the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion, according to Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.
“Sapilin and his companions are currently in the custody of the 74IB for the debriefing to be facilitated by our intelligence units,” he added.
For this year, a total of 124 ASG members have already surrendered to government forces. Of this, 68 yielded in Basilan, 33 in Sulu, 21 in Tawi-Tawi and two in Zamboanga City.
“Our Joint Task Forces will continue to sustain their security operations to bring about the eventual defeat of the Abu Sayyaf operating in the ZamBaSulTa area,” said Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“With the neutralization of the Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, we believe more of the bandits will surrender and return to the folds of law in the coming days,” he added.