Military turns over arrested MILF commander today

MANILA, Philippines - A thanksgiving ceremony will be held when security forces turn over arrested Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Wahid Tundok to his group today.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the thanksgiving or “kanduli” would be held amid the positive outlook on the peace talks between the government and the MILF.

“The higher interest and peace prevailed. We are moving toward that because the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro will be signed anytime,” he said.

Tundok is the commander of the MILF’s 118th Base Command and has been charged with multiple murder and arson.

He was arrested by security forces in Cotabato City last Sunday by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 of Cotabato City  

Three days after the arrest, government negotiators announced that the warrant of arrest against Tundok had been recalled.

They even thanked the ceasefire panel and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group for ensuring the “smooth resolution of the matter.”

The recall of Tundok’s arrest warrant came as the government and the MILF are preparing to sign a historic final peace deal, which they believe, would solve the Mindanao problem.

Officials said the peace agreement may be signed next month.