MILF commander nabbed in Sultan Kudarat

Koronadal City — A brigade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and three of his men, all reportedly facing charges for attempting to kill a former barangay captain and an elementary school teacher three years ago, were arrested Sunday in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, a police official said yesterday.

Elements of the 128th Provincial Police Mobile Group (PPMG) and Regional Mobile Group, led by Inspector Ben Kimayu and under the supervision of Chief Inspector Kadil Masahod, nabbed the suspects at around 6:30 am. in the remote part of Barangay Kabuling, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

"Hindi sila nakapalag ng hulihin namin. Nasorpresa talaga sila sa pag-aresto namin (They were not able to resist arrest as our operations came as a complete surprise)," Masahod said.

Two of the suspects, however, eluded arrest. Masahod identified them as Guiapina Montawal, alias Ford; and a certain Ramon Colano.

Meanwhile, the arrested brigade commander was identified as Custa Mantawal, alias Boy, and the three men arrested with him were Alikasha Mantawal, alias Totong; Abdulghani Kasan, alias Mario; and Abdulkarim Udtog, alias Opin.

Masahod said the four MILF rebels are residents of the town and under the supervision of the MILF’s 104th Base Command led by a certain Kumander Dan Dimakael.

The rebels were arrested based on an arrest order issued by Isulan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge German Malcampo last Wednesday.