ZAMBOANGA
CITY, May 3 (PNA) – The military commander in the island province of Sulu is
confident "that more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will surrender
to government authorities."
Brig.
Gen. Cirilito Sobejana Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, on Wednesday
said "there are indicators the ASG is now feeling the heat" of the
intense military operations against them
“As
we speak, there is fighting ongoing,” Sobejana told the Philippines News
Agency, but he declined to give details as "this might affect their
operations."
The
military has intensified its intelligence operation and launched “focused
military operations” against the Abu Sayyaf, a "precise tactical
offensive" to ensure the safety its more than 20 hostages and to prevent
collateral damages.
Last
week, two followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan surrendered
to the authorities amid intense military operations.
Sobejana
identified them as Udon Hashim and Haidal Kimar. They also surrendered their
high-powered assault rifles.
There
are about 18 ASG members who surrendered to the military since January this
year, following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to finish off the ASG
within six months-.
(Darwin
Wally T. Wee)
