[Business World] Nine Abu Sayyaf militants surrendered to Philippine troops in Sulu on July 15, the military reported late Wednesday. Upon surrender, they also turned over their weapons consisting of seven high-powered and two low-powered firearms. Military spokesman Cirilito Sobejana said in a statement, “I would like to attribute this success to the loving people of Sulu who continuously support us in our campaign against the Abu Sayyaf. We anticipate that in the coming days, the remaining bandits will opt to lay down their arms and choose to live a peaceful life,”
Also last Monday, a high-ranking member of the rebel group was killed in Basilan after attempting to evade arrest by government troops. Military spokesman Fernando Reyeg said, “Arod Wahing pulled his gun and grenade when security forces raided his safe house.”
Wahing was one of the suspects in the kidnappings of Dutch Ewold Horn in 2012 and a German couple in 2014. “He is a trusted follower of Abu Sayyaf top leader Radullan Sahiron in Sulu,” Reyeg said, “He, however, fled to Basilan to escape the series of armed engagements with military forces in Sulu.”