COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - A leader of breakaway rebel group and four of his followers were arrested last night in General Santos, the military said today.
Joan Petinglay, spokesperson for the Philippine army's 6th division, confirmed the arrest of Mohammad Ali Tambako, founder of Justice Islamic Movement, a breakaway of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Tambako was on board of a motorcycle along with his followers when they were stopped by authorities at a checkpoint around 9:00 p.m. local time on Sunday in Calumpang, General Santos city, Petinglay said.
The arresting team have recovered three hand grenades and three weapons from Tambako's possession.
A Criminal investigation and detection group officer, who requested not to be named, said Tambako, who did not resist arrest, is currently undergoing tactical interrogation at their office along with four of his men.
He said the fall of Timbako was a product of a joint operation with police and military.
Last week, the military reported that they seized the house of Timbako at the height of their all out offensive in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province.