Ex-MILF rebel arrested in Cotabato

Manila, Philippines -  Government agents arrested a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel who became a leader of a gun for hire syndicate in Cotabato City after a brief encounter Thursday.

Zainodin Antao, alias Buding, 31, gave himself up when cornered by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Naval Intelligence and Security Unit.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Antao suffered a gunshot wound in the abdomen and was brought to the Cotabato Medical Specialist Hospital and later transferred to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center where he remains confined.

Superintendent Leo Quevedo, chief of the CIDG in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Antao engaged government operatives who were about to serve a warrant for his arrest for double murder and attempted murder in a gunfight. – Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde