[Inquirer] Seven Abu Sayyaf militants surrendered to the Philippine military here early this week. Colonel Rolando Joselito Bautista said the surrender took place on Monday and Tuesday in Ungkaya Pukan town.He said, "The ASG members realized that fighting the government and enduring [a] hard life in the mountains is a lost cause."
He identified the seven militants – all surnamed Kasaran – as Sulaiman, alias Abu Jaid; Marwin Asan, alias Hadjie; Derwin Asan, alias Dikki; Halid Asan, alias Nasirin Awwalin; Hadzmin Kuluman, alias Ammin; Faisal Laudmin, alias Issa-Ballie; and Salman Najallon, alias Sat-Mhanz.
Major General Gerardo Barrientos Jr., commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said it was the first time that an Abu Sayyaf rebel had surrendered to the government.