By Julmunir I. Jannaral
Zamboanga City
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member surrendered to the military in Basilan on Sunday bringing to a total of 11 of the dreaded group who have surrendered to the government since January.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), on Monday said the intensified non-combat operations of the military units in Basilan led to the surrender of Abdul Asnulan Akil, a.k.a. Abz, a resident of Barangay Kamamburingan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province.
“Akil is a member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group under Radzmil Jannatul, a.k.a. Khubayb. He has a standing warrant of arrest for murder,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.
The surrendered ASG member handed over one M1 Garand rifle with magazine and 18 rounds of ammunition.
“Akil was involved in a massacre in Kamamburingan last April 22, 2018, wherein four civilians were beheaded,” said Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.
“His surrender is attributed to our peace efforts facilitated by the different intelligence units here in Basilan,” Brig. Gen. Gobway added.
Akil is currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the Headquarters of 101st Infantry Brigade/JTF Basilan in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, the same province. He will subsequently be turned over to PNP-Basilan for proper disposition.
During the initial debriefing, Akil said he is starving while evading the government forces. He is happy that he now has a chance to start anew and live in peace.
“We hope that those who remain in hiding will follow the footsteps of Akil. Rest assured that we will give our full support during their reintegration process,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.
Since January 2021, a total of 11 ASG members have surrendered to the military in Basilan. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY 