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WestMinCom says troops killed 310 Abu Sayyaf, BIFF members this year

Western Mindanao Command © Provided by GMA News Online Western Mindanao Command

The military's Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) killed a total of 310 members of ISIS-affiliated groups Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) since January 1 this year.

The WestMinCom said in a statement that a total of 128 Abu Sayyaf members were killed in 53 encounters in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga and 182 BIFF members in Central Mindanao from January 1 to December 30.

It said a total of 352 Abu Sayyaf members were neutralized, including 80 arrested and 144 bandits who surrendered. The WestMinCom also recovered a total of 223 firearms from the Abu Sayyaf members.

Meanwhile, a total of 243 BIFF members have been neutralized including 24 arrested and three who surrendered. A total of 38 firearms were recovered from the Moro group, the WestMinCom added.

The command said the joint security operation between its troops and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front contributed to the significant gains against the two terror groups.

The whole of Mindanao is currently under martial law, which will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2018.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared a 60-day under martial law in Mindanao on May 23 following the attack of the Maute group, backed up by members of the Abu Sayyaf and BIFF, in Marawi City. The declaration was initially extended until December 31 of this year.

Before Congress went on holiday break, it granted Duterte's request to extend martial law in Mindanao further until December 31 next year.

Aside from the Abu Sayyaf, BIFF and their affiliate groups, the government's anti-terrorism campaign has been extended to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army after Duterte issued a proclamation order tagging the communist group as a terrorist organization. —ALG, GMA News

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