Arrest of 2 commanders weakens MILF, says Verzosa

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have weakened with the recent arrest of two of their ranking leaders, including Commander Dragon.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said police and the military have alerted all their units in Northern Mindanao and nearby areas for possible retaliatory attacks by the MILF.

“This organizational setback is expected to be severely felt particularly in the lower levels of the MILF command structure,” he said.

Verzosa said security has been beefed up specifically in Marawi City where Tagoranao Mangondaya, alias Commander Dragon, and three others, including a soldier, were arrested in a raid on Thursday.

Verzosa identified the three others as Saabeden Mangondaya, brother of Commander Dragon; Basher Gabisalik, 28; and Cpl. Sultan Esmayatin, 32, a member of Army’s 26th Infantry Batta-lion who is detailed with Task Force SADIK of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Mangondaya heads the Urban Terrorist Group of the MILF’s 102nd Base Command under Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, who is wanted for the raids in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato that left more than 40 civilians dead.

Col. Rey Ardo, 103rd IB commander, however, said Esmayatin was on a special mission to monitor Macapaar’s movement.

Earlier, Jayon Saliganan, alias Commander Aguilar, brigade commander of the MILF’s 107th Base Command, was also arrested.

Police said Mangondaya was immediately flown to Manila. – With Mike Frialde and Jaime Laude