MILF leader’s release eases tension

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

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—The release of a ranking leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) by the military on Tuesday afternoon has eased tension that could have disrupted the progress of talks between the government and Moro rebels.

“All’s well that ends well,” said Von Al Haq, MILF spokesperson and vice chair for military affairs, following the release of Wahid Tundok, head of the MILF’s 118th Base Command, from military custody.

On Sunday, Tundok and his armed escorts had been taken on charges of arson and multiple murder, although he is covered by an agreement that grants immunity from arrests to MILF leaders for the duration of peace talks between the government and the rebels.

Al Haq said Tundok had been turned over to the MILF committee on cessation of hostilities past 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

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

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

Tundok was tagged as among the “et al.” in cases filed against MILF rebels involved in the 2009 rampage led by Ameril Umra Kato, a top MILF leader who broke off and formed the renegade Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters following disagreements with the main MILF leadership over peace talks with the government.

Al Haq said Tundok, like other MILF leaders and commanders facing charges in Philippine courts, is covered by temporary immunity from arrest in connection with the ongoing peace talks.

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

Members of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, backed by Marines, arrested Tundok and his companions at a Marine checkpoint near the Matampay Bridge in Cotabato City on Sunday.

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

Seized from him were two high-powered firearms. Al Haq would not say if the firearms had been returned to Tundok.

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

Al Haq said the government-MILF ceasefire panel handled the case very carefully. Edwin O. Fernandez and Charlie Señase, Inquirer Mindanao