[Mindanao Examiner] Ten Abu Sayyaf rebels have surrendered in the Basilan province and the military said they would be reintegrated into society as part of the government’s Balik-Loob program. The terrorists led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Bobong Mastul surrendered with their weapons in Sumisip town on Friday, according to the Western Mindanao Command.Quoting the rebels, military spokesman Gerry Besana said the Abu Sayyaf militants “finally decided to re-embrace Islam and ask forgiveness for all their wrong-doings upon hearing the encouragements (to surrender peacefully) from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and by President Rodrigo Duterte himself.”.
The military released the names of the other terrorists as Atotong Sarahadil, Mudzrie Salahudin Jabbon, Sapwan Kapitan Aliman, Nassir Jaid Tahil, Hair Tiglama Kawakibon, Adeh Kawakibon, Rubin Ikih, Aminin Baliyong and Suedin Muril.
It is not clear whether the rebels could avail the Balik-Loob program because it was created to reintegrate surrendered communist New People’s Army militants into society.