Gov't peace panel elated with police exec's immediate release

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) was elated with how the government’s existing security agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hastened the release of the Marawi City police chief abducted by the rebels on Friday.

MILF rebels stormed the Marawi City police station and snatched Superintendent Christopher Panapan. At least 10 hours later, the rebels released the police officer through the efforts of local officials and the GPH-MILF joint ceasefire committee.

The MILF rebels, numbering to about 40, swooped down on the Marawi City police station at dawn Friday and “rescued” their two comrades detained on illegal possession of firearms charges.

The rebels snatched the police officer and killed his brother-in-law in the process.

Police said the raid was led by Jimmy Rajamuda, commander of the MILF’s Musa Island Base Command.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said in an emailed statement that the incident will not affect the ongoing talks between the government and the MILF.

The attack on the Marawi City police occurred while the GPH and the MILF peace panels are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 42nd exploratory talks.

“We give due recognition to our local security forces for their command and restraint on the ground that enabled the peaceful resolution of the incident,” Deles said.

Deles said the OPAPP is also grateful to all local government officials who worked together in helping the GPH and MILF ceasefire committee secure Panapan’s release.

The guerrillas released Panapan in Balindong town in Lanao del Sur at 12:45 p.m. Friday following negotiations with his captors, local leaders and members of the GPH-MILF ceasefire committee.