MILF commander arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Military agents arrested last Saturday night in General Santos City a top commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who was allegedly responsible for the attacks in Sarangani in August 2008.

Col. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, identified the MILF commander as Jayon Saligan, leader of the MILF 107th base command who led attacks in Maasim, Sarangani.

Cruz said Saligan has a warrant of arrest for his alleged involvement in the incident, which was part of a coordinated rebel operation that included simultaneous attacks in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.

He said Saligan was shot in the leg when he resisted arrest. The rebel leader is now confined at a nearby hospital where military security personnel were deployed.

“He tried to run as the soldiers and policemen were to accost him, prompting the troops to open fire,” Cruz said.

Troops have been running after other MILF commanders Ameril Umbra Kato and Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo and Aleem Sulaiman alias Commander Pangalian since August last year.

The three commanders have led the rebel groups that attacked communities in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani.

The government has offered P20 million as reward to anybody who could provide information that could lead to the arrest of the rebel leaders.