AFP ‘satisfied’ with fight vs. Abu Sayyaf as 68 members killed in 2020 —Gapay

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is satisfied with its operation against rebel group Abu Sayyaf as it recorded 68 rebels killed and 128 surrendered this year, AFP chief General Gilbert Gapay said.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the AFP said 156 firearms and 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also either surrendered by or seized from the rebel group.

“We are currently satisfied with how our troops are continuing our offensives against the ASG, but this does not mean we’re letting our guards down against them or other local terrorists,” Gapay said.

On Friday, two sub-leaders identified as Alvin Yusop and Arab Puti as well as 13 more members of Abu Sayyaf surrendered in Jolo, Sulu, which was facilitated by the 1101st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

At least 14 assorted firearms were also returned to Joint Task Force Sulu.

Earlier this month, AFP said three rebels who were allegedly involved in kidnap for ransom crimes also surrendered to government forces in Tawi-tawi from December 2 to 4. 

One of the rebels identified as Alsadi Hanain yielded with his M1 Garand rifle to the 2nd Marine Brigade in Bongao on December 4.

Bennaser Pae surrendered with an M16A1 rifle and ammunition to Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 on December 3.

On December 2, Ugali Alimudin surrendered to the 36 Marine Company at the unit headquarters in Sapa-Sapa and turned over an M14 rifle with magazine and ammunition.

Also, 36 more Abu Sayyaf members presented themselves to the 4th Marine Brigade in Omar, Sulu, giving up their 11 firearms on December 4.

BIFF, Maute Group

Aside from the Abu Sayyaf, the AFP also recalled its accomplished operations against other rebel groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Daesh-inspired Maute Group.

The AFP said that this year, 31 BIFF members were killed, 184 surrendered, while 22 were captured during their operations.

On December 9, government troops had an encounter with the BIFF in Sharif Aguak. The 11th Mechanized Company stopped a possible attack by the BIFF-Karialan Faction under “Diok” and recovered live ammunition from the rebels’ position after the firefight.

Also on December 8, troops from 40th Infantry Battalion arrested seven members of BIFF in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao. Two M1 Garand rifles, one M14 rifle, and one M4 rifle were confiscated from the rebels.

On December 3, the 6th Infantry Division had an encounter with the BIFF in Datu Piang. the AFP said the troops on the ground forced the attackers to withdraw.

Meanwhile, AFP said 31 members of Maute Group were killed in combat, while 35 of them surrendered and five were captured since January this year.

According to AFP, Gapay targets to maintain their firm position in fighting the rebel groups despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We will stop at nothing to keep our fellow Filipinos safe and secure from the despicable acts of terrorism and violent extremism,” Gapay said.

“Your AFP, hand in hand with other government agencies, stakeholders and local government units shall continue to unite to ensure the downfall of local terrorist groups threatening our peace,” he added. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News