68 Abu Sayyaf bandits slain in clashes this year

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-eight Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in intensified military operations this year, authorities said yesterday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said there were also 128 bandits who surrendered to the military.

Citing information from the ground, the AFP said it seized and recovered at least 156 firearms and 10 improvised explosive devices from the bandit group.

Recent military achievements in the campaign against the terrorist group included the surrender of two Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders and their 13 followers in Jolo, Sulu on Friday.

The Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade facilitated the surrender of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Alvin Yusop and Arab Puti as well as of their followers to the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Earlier this month, the AFP said three Sayyaf men tagged in kidnapping activities yielded to government security forces in Tawi-Tawi.

Alsadi Hanain surrendered his rifle to the military’s 2nd Marine Brigade in Bongao, Bennaser Pae surrendered to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 and Ugali Alimudin gave himself up to the 36 Marine Company in Sapa-Sapa town and turned-over an M14 rifle and ammunition.

The AFP also reported that 36 bandits surrendered to the 4th Marine Brigade in Omar, Sulu on Dec. 4.

“We are satisfied with how our troops are continuing the offensives against the Abu Sayyaf, but this does not mean we’re letting our guards down against them or other local terrorist groups,” AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay said.