AFP says counter-violent extremism efforts gaining ground

March 9, 2018

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism in Mindanao is gaining ground with the recovery of 575 loose firearms in 2018.

In seven municipalities in Sulu, 187 loose firearms were surrendered to authorities on March 6 and other places in the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi areas, the AFP said on Friday.

The Western Mindanao Command reported municipal and barangay officials from Talipao, Parang, Omar, Indanan, Maimbung, Jolo, and Patikul, Sulu turned over nine M14 rifles, three .30 caliber BAR rifles, nine M79 grenade launchers, 64 M16 rifles, three AR15 rifles, 93 M1 Garand rifles, four M203 grenade launchers, and two caliber .45 pistol.

Talipao Mayor Nebukadnezar Tulawie surrendered the most with 60 high and low-ed firearms, consisting of 41 M16 rifles, three AR15 rifles, twelve M1 Garand rifles, two M79 grenade launchers, one Bar, and one M14 rifle.

From January 1 to March 3 this year, 192 assorted firearms were surrendered in Zamboanga City, 52 in Sulu, 30 in Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces, and 114 in Central Mindanao.

The PCVE program gives emphasis on stakeholder engagements and interagency coordination to deny violent extremists of the opportunity to recruit new members.

Meanwhile, efforts to subdue the Abu Sayyaf Group resulted in the neutralization of 51 terrorists in Western Mindanao in the first 65 days of 2018.

Reports showed seven terrorists were killed, eight were apprehended, and 36 have surrendered from January 1 to March 6 this year. The AFP also recovered 49 firearms from ASG, 15 of which were recovered in combat operations. DMS