AFP: Over 500 bandits neutralized in 2017

MANILA, Philippines — Government forces neutralized 595 members of the Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in 2017, the Armed Forces of the Philippines  reported yesterday.

Of the number, 310 were killed in armed encounters while the rest were either arrested or voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

Officials of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said 144 Abu Sayyaf bandits – 70 in Basilan, 53 in Sulu and 21 in Tawi-Tawi  – surrendered to government security forces.

The figure represents 41 percent of the total number of bandits who were neutralized.

The military recorded 53 armed clashes: 20 in Basilan, 29 in Sulu, three in Tawi-Tawi and one in Zamboanga. 

“With our intensified combat and law enforcement support operations, 128 Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and 80 were apprehended in Western Mindanao,” WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

He said 223 firearms were seized from or surrendered by the bandits to the military.

Meanwhile, sustained operations against the BIFF resulted in the neutralization of 243 members from January to December.

Of the number, 182 were killed in 44 clashes, 24 were arrested and three surrendered in separate incidents.

Cooperation between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and government security forces strengthened the campaign against the bandits and other lawless elements, Galvez said.

“We are sad to report that 26 of our soldiers were killed fighting the Abu Sayyaf bandits and seven in the operations against the BIFF,” he added.