October 12, 2000, ABS-CBN, 22 more Abu Sayyaf guerillas yield,

October 12, 2000, ABS-CBN, 22 more Abu Sayyaf guerillas yield,

QUEZON CITY, (ABS-CBN) - Twenty-two more followers of Abu Sayyaf leader Galib Andang alias Commander Robot have turned themselves in to local and military authorities in Jolo, Sulu, the military said Thursday.

The latest surrender followed reports that about 200 extremist rebels intend to surrender as they have reportedly grown tired of running from pursuing military troops.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said the 22 guerillas yielded themselves last Wednesday to local officials in Sulu, bringing to 42 the total number of Abu Sayyaf members who have surrendered since the military assault began last September 16.

Initial reports from Sulu revealed the surrender of the bandits was facilitated by Panglima Estino mayor Abbas "Ma-as Bawang" Estino. The identities of the surrenderees, however, were not disclosed except for one Par Saudi.

Initial investigation revealed Saudi's group were fishermen enticed by Commander Robot to join the Abu Sayyaf sometime in June this year, with a promised monthly salary of P3,000.

"We were forced to join their group since we would be earning higher but until our surrender, we haven't received any money," he bared. 

"Their group is now having difficulties due to lack of food and ammunition. Others have decided to go on their own and will soon yield on the proper time," Saudi added.

On the reported half a billion peso ransom payment for the release of other hostages, Saudi said the amount has been divided among Abu Sayyaf leaders and their relatives.

The surrendering guerilla's statement corroborated the Armed Forces Southern Command (Southcom) claim that Abu Sayyaf rebels are turning themselves in because of fatigue, low morale and hunger. 

Quoting Southcom chief Lt. Gen. Diomedio Villanueva, military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Generoso Senga added, "significantly, the surrenders are brought about by the psychological pressure that anytime, the military will catch up with them."

Several commanders of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, among them Commander Robot, are also expected to yield within the coming days, the military said on Wednesday. 

But come Thursday, Task Force Strident commanding General Narciso Abaya denied reports that the bandit group was already sending surrender feelers. This even as he revealed Commander Robot has been wounded in an encounter.

Prior to the launching of the military assault, military intelligence reports estimated the rebel strength to be between 2,000 to 3,000 with over 4,000 firearms.

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.

At present, the death toll on the Abu Sayyaf stands at 129 with 53 others in government custody undergoing tactical interrogation.

On the other hand, five soldiers and three civilian volunteers have died from over 50 encounters with 16 others listed as wounded.

The military has recovered 11 vehicles including an ambulance stolen from Panamao Hospital used by the Abu Sayyaf. The vehicles are presently kept at Camp Bautista in Jolo.

Meanwhile, Gen. Abaya confirmed the five remaining hostages of the Abu Sayyaf are still alive.

A report on ABS-CBN News Channel's The World Tonight said American hostage Jeffrey Schilling is still with rebel spokesman Abu Sabaya's group, while the three Malaysian nationals are with Commander Titing Aggah Noman's faction.

Lone Filipino hostage Roland Ullah is with the group of another rebel commander Radulan Sajiron.