AFP expects to defeat ASG, BIFF by year’s end

Armed Forces of the PhilippinesWestern Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez said that they are targetting to defeat the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) by the end of this year.

In an interview, Galvez said that they will maximize all of their capabilities in order to attain their target of neutralizing terrorist groups operating in their area of responsibility.

“We will, we will. That’s our challenge and we will push our capabilities to accomplish this task,” Galvez said.

Galvez said right now the biggest threat from armed groups the WesMinCom is facing are from the BIFF in Maguindanao and the ASG in Sulu.

Galvez said there are three BIFF factions currently operating – the Bongos, Karialan and Toraype. Of these three, Bongos and Toraype are known to have connections with the Islamic State.

Galvez also disclosed that the military is still verifying reports that foreign fighters or militants have entered Mindanao through the southern backdoor of the Philippines these past months.

Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Sulu chief Brig. General Cirilito Sobejana said that the target to finish the Abu Sayyaf this year was “doable.”

“That’s the reason why I didn’t come home because we want it done as soon as possible. So what we are doing is best effort. We are trying to get the leadership because what we saw, from the result of the neutralization of the subleaders, a lot has surrendered because they are no longer being led,” Sobejana said.

“With their neutralization there is chaos (among their) members because they are no longer sustained. So our priority right now is getting their leaders, neutralizing the leaders to really fastrack the defeat of the ASG problem,” he said.