187 Abu Sayyaf members neutralized since January —AFP chief Gapay

Armed Forces chief General Gilbert Gapay on Monday said more than 100 Abu Sayyaf group members have been neutralized by the military since the beginning of this year.

At a Laging Handa public briefing, Gapay said a total of 134 firearms have also been recovered from the local terror group during military operations.

"Sa Abu Sayyaf group, since January hanggang December 4 of this year, 187 ang na-neutralize natin na Abu Sayyaf members at 134 na firearms ang ating nakalap through our relentless and intensified security operations," Gapay said.

Earlier, Gapay said the Philippine military is targeting to end the Abu Sayyaf group by the end of this year. By 2022, he said the AFP is eyeing to eradicate other local terror groups.

Members of the Abu Sayyaf group had been linked to bombing incidents in Mindanao region, especially in the province of Sulu.

Its leader, Mundi Sawadjaan, is still at large and the subject of operations of the military.

Meanwhile, Gapay also noted that a total of 232 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were neutralized while 193 of their weapons have been seized.

When it comes to the Maute group, 61 were neutralized while 52 firearms were confiscated, Gapay said.—AOL, GMA News