MILF commander charged for death of colleague, son

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Criminal charges have been filed against a leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in connection with the killing of another MILF commander and his son in Sultan sa Barongis town.

MILF commander Sayah and four of his followers were charged for the murders of Batuh and his son Sadam Kamad in Barangay Tugal last week.

Sayah and Batuh belong to the MILF’s 105th Base Command.

Kamad was village chief of Tugal.

Senior Inspector Cesar Ibal, chief of the Sultan sa Barongis police, yesterday confirmed the filing of criminal cases against the MILF leader.

The victims were on a motorcycle when armed men waylaid them.

The incident prompted the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion to send a peacekeeping team to the area to prevent hostilities.

Ibal said they asked the government-MILF ceasefire committee to help locate the suspects.

He said local officials sent emissaries to the victims’ family to convince them not to retaliate.