Gov’t, MILF to resolve issue over arrest of Moro commander

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were discussing the arrest of an MILF commander by police authorities on Sunday night, adding that the rebel group was “concerned” about the arrest.

Deles also told reporters that the arrest of MILF commander Wahid Tundok was a “gray area” because of his status.

Police authorities in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, arrested Tundok, a Muslim cleric and head of the MILF’s 108th Base Command, even as he was supposed to be covered by immunity guarantees.

“We have been discussing it since last night. It’s just that we need to get all the people together, and some of the people, as you know, are in Cotabato,” Deles said.

Asked if the MILF has expressed concern over the arrest, Deles said: “You can say they are concerned but they can understand that we can talk about it.”

A number of MILF commanders are facing charges in court for criminal activities that took place before the government and the MILF completed a peace deal last month to end the decades-long conflict in Central Mindanao.

A formal signing of the peace agreement has yet to be scheduled.

Both parties have not yet explained what would happen to these commanders who are technically wanted by authorities.

Police said Tundok was arrested on the basis of warrants of arrest issued by trial court judges.

The normalization annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro provides for transitional justice for the victims of the decades-long war.