MILF detains 'Marine' for intruding into camp

COTABATO CITY , Philippines  – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said it has detained a supposed Marine captain for intruding into its main enclave, Camp Darapanan, in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said the alleged military officer who introduced himself as Marine Capt. Allan Dominggo is now undergoing questioning to determine his real motive in going to Camp Darapanan.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, civil-military relations chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said there is no Capt. Dominggo in the roster of both the Army and Marine Corps.

“If indeed he is being held captive by the MILF and if he is not a soldier, he should be released without any pre-condition. Holding someone captive is illegal detention and therefore, a serious offense,” Ponce said.

Radio reports said Dominggo went to Camp Darapanan to study Islam and “seek” the opinion of the MILF central committee on the current Mindanao peace process.

Kabalu said Dominggo was not allowed to leave the camp on suspicion that he was spying on the MILF.

Meanwhile, a Marine was killed and five others were wounded in a clash with an MILF lost command holding captive Leah Patris, an employee of a lending firm, in Sumisip, Basilan yesterday, the military said.  – With Roel Pareño