(File photo)
MANILA – A total of 137 communist and local terrorist group members have been neutralized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during focused military operations conducted in various parts of the country from Jan. 1 to March 31 this year.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor, in a statement Sunday night, said 82 of the 137 terrorists neutralized are from the New People's Army (NPA).
"Against the communist terrorist groups (CTGs), the AFP neutralized 82 regular members. Of these, 17 were killed in combat operations, 20 were apprehended or captured, and 45 surrendered to government forces," he added.
Baclor said the AFP also captured 210 firearms during encounters with NPA forces and recovered another 109 through surrenders.
Around 87 anti-personnel mines (APMs) were also seized while 51 NPA "encampments" were discovered.
"Of the 22 remaining guerrilla fronts of the CTG, only three remain active, while 19 are considered weakened and nearing dismantling," Baclor said.
Meanwhile, the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group lost 30 of its members as 28 surrendered and two were captured.
Military troops also captured six firearms during encounters and gained 29 through surrenders, Baclor said.
"Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue to suffer losses as three members were killed in combat operations while 18 surrendered to government troops. The BIFF also lost 64 firearms and nine APMs," he added.
Also, three members of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah were killed due to focused military operations, while one surrendered.
The AFP also recovered one firearm while three APMs were seized.
"These significant tactical victories against the CTG and other local terrorist groups were made possible due to the dedication and commitment of AFP troops with the support of the LGUs (local government units) and other law-enforcement agencies," Baclor said. (PNA)
