YEARENDER: Abu Sayyaf had more members in 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The number of Abu Sayyaf bandits rose in 2014, data from the military has confirmed.

There were 423 Abu Sayyaf members last year, compared to 385 in 2013, 398 in 2012, 381 in 2011, 340 in 2010 and 390 in 2009, military data released on Tuesday showed.

The military, however, claimed that the Abu Sayyaf is weaker now compared to more than a decade ago.

In an interview with reporters last month, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the number of people aligned with the bandit group remained at around 400. He said a majority of the militants are operating in Sulu.

“Their manpower continued to dwindle from their original number in 2000 from 1,270 to 423 in 2014,” AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said in a statement.

Cabunoc said military operations against the Abu Sayyaf resulted in the death and arrest of 69 bandits in the first nine months of 2014. A total of 36 firearms were recovered during the same period.

At least 72 violent incidents involving the Abu Sayyaf were also recorded in 2014.

‘Kidnapping a major concern’

Cabunoc said kidnapping by the bandit group remains a major concern. 

Three foreign captives – German couple Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrite Dielen and Swiss birdwatcher Lorenzo Vinciguerra – have been released, but the group is still holding several foreign hostages. 

Officials said the release of the captives was a result of military operations, but rumors persist that ransom was paid.

Spoilers of peace

The military also cited its gains against the so-called spoilers of the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Cabunoc said 81 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed while three others were arrested in 2014. Nineteen firearms were recovered from the group.

Four rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front were captured while six others surrendered to government troops. Six firearms were recovered from the rebels.