Military frees MILF commander

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels. AFP FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The military released from its custody Tuesday evening a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front arrested earlier by the police on charges of arson and multiple murder.

Von Al Haq, MILF spokesperson and vice chairman for military affairs, said MILF 118th Base Command leader Wahid Tundok was turned over to the MILF Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities following his release around 6:20 p.m. Tuesday.

“It (release) went through the necessary processes in accordance with our existing truce and talks with the government,” Al Haq said.

He said Judge George Jabido of the Regional Trial Court’s  Branch 13 recalled the warrant for Tundok’s arrest.

Although Tundok was not officially named in the warrant, officials said he was among other wanted personalities  referred to by the abbreviated Latin phrase “et al (and others)” on the warrant issued for the arrest of  MILF Commander Ameril Umra Kato in connection with attacks he and other disgruntled MILF fighters carried out in 2009. Kato subsequently  broke away from the MILF and set up the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Al Haq said that MILF leaders and field commanders facing charges in Philippine courts were granted temporary immunity from arrest in during peace talks with the government and related activities.

Speaking to reporters, Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao, said Tundok and his “escorts” spent the night at his house in Cotabato City following their release.

Members of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, backed by Philippine Marines, arrested Tundok and his companions at a Marine checkpoint on the Matampay Bridge in Cotabato City last Feb. 23.

Tundok had just attended a meeting with MILF leaders in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao when he was arrested.

Seized from him were two high-powered caliber firearms.

Al Haq would not say if the firearms were also returned.

Earlier, MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said the arrest of Tundok was discussed by both the government and the MILF peace panels.

Al Haq said the government-MILF ceasefire panel handled the case very carefully, and “all’s well that ends well.”

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