ANOTHER MEMBER of the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered over the weekend to government troops in Basilan, the 10th to do so from the island province so far this year, the military reported yesterday. Brig. Gen Juvymax R. Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, identified the returnee as Ligoda Tanjal. “He said he surrendered because he wanted to have a new life away from banditry and danger,” Mr. Uy said in a statement. The military official said Mr. Tanial was also encouraged to turn himself in after learning that “his former companions are already undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration program.” The former ASG member also turned over an M16A1 rifle, one rifle scope, and a magazine with ammunition. Data from the Western Mindanao Command show a total of 20 ASG surrenderees this year from different areas, and 178 since January 2017. — Albert F. Arcilla

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