Google map of Datu Montawal town (formerly Pagagawan) in Maguindanao
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Authorities in Maguindanao arrested Tuesday night a wanted field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the town of Datu Montawal (formerly Pagagawan) in Maguindanao.
Chief Insp. Erwin Tabora, police chief of Datu Montawal town in Maguindanao, identified the MILF official as Hamsa Abdullah Pandita, known as Commander Transceiver of the MILF, who was arrested on multiple murder, frustrated multiple murder, and arson charges.
“Pandita did not resist arrest during the 8 p.m. law enforcement operation but denied the charges against him,” Tabora said.
The wanted MILF official was unarmed when police arrived in Barangay Poblacion, where he was attending a family post-wedding gathering.
“His (Pandita) companions did not put up resistance and allowed the MILF official to go with the legal process of clearing his name,” a relative who asked not to be named told reporters in the vernacular.
Tabora said a tipster provided the police with information about Pandita’s presence at the wedding event.
Senior Supt. Ronald Briones, Maguindanao police director, said an augmentation force was sent to the Datu Montawal municipal office, where Pandita is being detained. (PNA)
