An Abu Sayyaf sub-leader based in Panglima Estino and Pata Island in Sulu and his cohort recently surrendered to government forces in the South.
Army Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the AFP Task Force Sulu, identified the ASG sub-leader as Udon Hashim and one Haidal Kimar who both yielded last April 27.
Sobejana said it is only now that they revealed the surrender of both Hashim and Kimar as they still had to undergo tactical interrogation.
Meantime Sobejana assures operation will continue against the ASG despite the reported plan of its leader to surrender.
Sobejana said they are still awaiting confirmation from a respected emissary who is said to be constantly talking with Radullan Sahiron who assumed the ASG mantle since the death of its young leader Khadaffy Janjalani in 2006.
“We are just waiting for any development on his reported desire to turn himself in. But just the same, our operations continue and we are not slowing down,” said Sobejana.
Sobejana said Sahiron’s impending surrender will surely cripple the notorious group.
“He is very much respected by his followers, that’s why we expect them to also surrender. Most probably 60 to 70 percent of the problem will be solved if he indeed surrenders,” said Sobejana. (Francis T. Wakefield)