Rogue MILF fighters eyed in Zamboanga Sibugay mayor’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - Rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were behind the killing of Mayor Randy Climaco of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

This was disclosed by military and police investigators on Monday, saying Climaco’s death was a result of a conflict between his administration and the MILF.

Sources said three years ago, these rogue MILF fighters took control of the local cooperatives engaged in the rubber business.

“Mayor Climaco was trying to mediate and impose policies in the conduct of the rubber business in Tungawan. This earned him the ire of the rogue MILF fighters, who now control the rubber trade,” sources said.

Climaco’s convoy was headed for the town proper of Tungawan when armed men waylaid them in Barangay Kayamkam on Oct. 12.

He died at the scene while his companions – Vice Mayor Abison Abduraok, driver Charlie del Cruz, Ernesto Segualan, Fortunato Mangubat, Carlnan Climaco and Jembot Recalde – were wounded.

Initially, politics was considered as among the motives for the killing.

Authorities later ruled out this motive after establishing that the assailants were rogue members of the MILF from 113th Base Command.

“For the last three years, Climaco has been trying to establish order among the groups of people engaged in the rubber industry,” the source said.

Authorities found out that Climaco himself was engaged in the rubber trade and on several occasions, the MILF rebels tried but failed to kill him. 

“The assailants were heavily armed and the only armed group operating in the area are MILF fighters from the 113rd Base Command  under Commander Ustadz Kahal Abundol,” another source said.