MANILA: The Philippines military said at least 15 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), including one of Malaysia's most wanted men, surrendered in Sulu on Friday.
In a report by Inquirer.net, the anti-terror Joint Task Force Sulu said the ASG members turned themselves in with their firearms.
One of them Alvin Yusop, alias Arab Puti, is a close aide of top leader Radulan Sahiron.
He was on the Eastern Sabah Security Command's most wanted list early this year, for his involvement in the kidnapping of Indonesian fishermen.
An ASG leader, Barahim Nurhajar, who was behind the past kidnapping of a mayor in Sulu, also surrendered to the military.
Among those who surrendered were Muarip Adja alias Arip and Hatimil Adja alias Timmir, who are the sons of Apoh Mike, an ASG leader and kidnapper.
The Philippine army's 11th Infantry Division commander, Major-General William Gonzales, said the surrendered terrorists would be given "full on-integration programme" with livelihood aid.
Gonzales relayed to those who surrendered that the army was coordinating with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, and the governor of Sulu "so that you can start a new life".
"Tell the others that they are welcomed, so long as they are sincere, willing to face the rule of law and most important of all, ready to cooperate in our fight for peace here in Sulu," he told the ASG members who surrendered.
In August this year, a criminal wanted for murder and kidnapping in the Philippines and Malaysia, Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan, was handed over to the police.
