Abalos on Abu Sayyaf strength: Konting-konti na lang

From GMA News Online (Aug 5, 2022): Abalos on Abu Sayyaf strength: Konting-konti na lang (By JOVILAND RITA)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday said very few members of Abu Sayyaf group are left amid the anti-insurgency efforts of the government.

At a Palace briefing, Abalos said that he cannot divulge the exact number of the remaining ASG members.

“Ayoko muna sana sabihin rito pero I assure you konting-konti na lang (I don't want to say it here but I can assure you they are very few),” he added.

Abalos said 100 supposed Abu Sayyaf members, with their firearms, surrendered to the government in Jolo, Sulu last week.

“I just want to report that last week, about seven days ago, there were about 100 Abu Sayyaf who surrendered in Jolo, Sulu,” he said.

“I think this is the biggest or the largest number of Abu Sayyaf who surrendered so far, 100 of them and even the firearms,” he added.

Abalos said the force of the rebels has already weakened and the areas previously affected by insurgency are now being prepared for economic progress.

Those who surrendered will receive P15,000 cash, livelihood, reintegration, medical, housing assistance among others, he added.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/840585/abalos-on-abu-sayyaf-strength-konting-konti-na-lang/story/