MANILA, Philippines — Seven more members of the Abu Sayyaf surrendered to government forces in Sulu this week, bringing the number of extremists who have given themselves up as the military pressed its offensive to 47, the Western Mindanao Command said.
Westmincom said Aminula Sakili, Saharijan Sakili, Haydel Sahidul, Sattar Sadjal, Orik Samsuraji, Princibal Abdan, and Annu Asaraji alias Anwar, turned themselves in to Marines in Sitio Kanjawali, Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk town at 12:35 p.m. Monday, bringing with them an M16 and M14 rifle, an M1 Garand, and a .38 and .45 caliber pistols.
The seven were described as followers of Sansibar Bensio and Tomas Idjas, who used to be under the late subleader Alhabsy Misaya.
The day before, Hussin Asrap Wahid, 28, a known follower of top Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama, also gave up in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
To date, Westmincom said, 11 Abu Sayyaf fighters have surrendered in Sulu, 25 in Basilan, and 11 in Tawi-Tawi.
