Alleged Abu Sayyaf member yields in Sulu, days after Patikul clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY- A man who claims to be a member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to authorities in Indanan town, Sulu on Wednesday.

The man, a resident of Parang town in Sulu, yielded to troops of the Philippine Army and handed over an M-16 rifle and an M-79 grenade launcher with several rounds of ammunition.

"This is a result of our relentless operations where the group suffered numerous casualties," said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the Joint Task Sulu. He did not provide details on Abu Sayyaf casualties.

The alleged ASG member underwent custodial debriefing facilitated by the 100th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army.

Last Friday, 11 soldiers were killed while 14 others were injured in a clash with the ASG bandits in Patikul town, Sulu.

The number of slain soldiers reached 12 on Tuesday after one of the injured troops succumbed to his wounds. Wesmincom spokesperson Maj. Arvin John Encinas identified the new fatality as SSgt Alexander Bolesa, who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.