| ASG commanders set
to surrender - AFP QUEZON CITY (ABS-CBN) - Several commanders of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu are expected
to yield within the coming days, the military said on Wednesday.
Quoting Armed Forces Southern Command Lt. Gen. Diomedio
Villanueva, military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Generoso Senga said continuos reports
indicate that leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf are set to surrender to local
authorities.
"There are continuous reports of (surrender) feelers but
General Villanueva didn't specify. There are leaders involved but we have no specific
details yet," Senga said.
Since the military launched its assault on the Abu Sayyaf lair
in Sulu, 129 bandits have been killed and 53 others captured . In addition, 20 terrorists
have yielded to local and military authorities.
On the other hand, eight soldiers and civilian volunteers have
died in 59 recorded encounters.
"They are turning themselves in because of fatigue , low
morale and hunger. Significantly, the surrenders are brought about by the psychological
pressure that anytime, the military will catch up with them," Senga said.
Likewise, the military spokesman said the cooperation of the
local officials and the rescue of the 14 hostages have contributed to the recent
surrenders.
"Many of our troops are now free to operate in smaller
areas. The operations are now to our favor, we are covering more grounds and our troops
are now acclimatized with the terrain," Senga said.
Prior to the launching of the military assault on September
16, authorities have estimated the strength of the Abu Sayyaf to be between 2,000 to
3,000.
But Senga said the operations have resulted in new recruits
laying low from the secessionist movement with the hardcore now dwindling to between 400
to 700.
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