5 suspected MNLF members captured

GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Five suspected members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who are reportedly harassing civilians, were arrested yesterday by police troopers in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Senior Supt. Bartolome Baluyot, Central Mindanao police director, said the arrest came after the suspects were reportedly terrorizing the residents of Purok Lipunan, Barangay Lanchita, Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province.

Baluyot said the heavily armed suspects believed to be members of the MNLF splinter group were roaming around in the said area in the past days and threatened the people not to follow the government’s policy.

"The terrified innocent civilians were told by the suspects at gunpoint to go against the administration of President Arroyo," said Baluyot as he explained the destabilization act of the Moro rebels.

The suspects were identified as Suwaib Nono Lawan, 28, married, a native of Buluan, Maguindanao; Malik Kanakan alias "Guinaton Kundil, 46, married, resident of Kolambuguin, Buluan, Maguindanao; Tani Dalina, 20, married, a resident of Buluan, Maguindanao; Thong Kundil Antilino, 22, single and Ibrahim Bert Dalinan, 52, married, both residents of Lagandang, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

The suspects were headed by a certain Guinaton Kundil, who is a top officer of the MNLF 1st Infantry Brigade Tornado Command based in the area.

Baluyot said when he received the information about the harassment of the apprehended suspects, he sent troops led by Inspector Junny Buenacosa and Senior Insp. Rommel Javier of the Police Regional Mobile Group who have encountered the suspects while the troops were patroling in the area.

He said a three-minute firefight ensued when the suspects resisted the arrest. But no casualties were reported in both sides.

Recovered from the suspects were: one caliber .30 M1 Springfield; two FAL firearms without serial numbers; jungle bolo, pouches, combat back bags, military combat boots, assorted ammunitions and other documents.

Baluyot said the suspects were taken to the Regional Police Headquarters for tactical interrogation while manhunt operation to go after the comrades of the suspects is ongoing.