Wanted MILF base commander for arson falls

A Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) base commander wanted for arson was arrested during a joint manhunt operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported over the weekend.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cotabato City Field Unit and its Tracker Team, alongside the 1404th Maneuver Force Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A and the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, apprehended the suspect.

The arrest was executed by virtue of a non-bailable warrant issued by a court in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on 2 October 2026.

Police investigations established that on 2 July 2025, the suspect — known by the alias “Kumander” — and 26 co-accused allegedly burned down the residence and motorcycle of a village councilor, or barangay kagawad, in Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur.

Authorities said the attack stemmed from a land dispute and an alleged clan feud locally known as rido.

Following an investigation, the CIDG filed arson charges against 16 suspects before the Prosecution Service, resulting in the issuance of the arrest warrants.

Nartatez underscored the police force’s commitment to apprehending individuals wanted for serious crimes regardless of their background or organizational ties.