Security forces alerted vs. armed group in Sultan Kudarat

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 10): Security forces alerted vs. armed group in Sultan Kudarat

SULTAN KUDARAT – Security forces have been alerted in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines following reports that armed followers of a slain former rebel commander may launch attacks to avenge the death of their leader.

Motorcycle gunmen killed Manubakan Abdul, 57, a leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and Abdulkarim Maslamama, 38, a village councilman in Midconding in General Salipada Pendatun town in Maguindanao province. The duo was driving their motorcycle when gunmen attacked them last month in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province.

Police said prior to the attack, two unidentified armed men also tried, but failed to kill Abdul’s son, Datumana, who is the village chieftain of Midconding. The village chieftain managed to escape after the gun of one of the suspected assassins jammed. It was not immediately known whether the gunmen and the killers of Datumana’s father were the same assailants.

Colonel Melquiadez Feliciano, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said he alerted his troops about the possible attacks by gunmen.

Superintendent Marvin Fontalva, of the Provincial Public Safety Company, and Superintendent Maximo Layugan, of the Regional Public Safety Battalion, also ordered police forces in the province to stay alert and vigilant.

Authorities previously said that some members of the MILF may have been involved in recent attacks by jihadist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in President Quirino town and nearby areas. The recent attack in the town killed the brother of Katiku village chieftain and wounded two more people in Katiku village.

Police also relayed this information to members of the International Monitoring Team which is overseeing the cease-fire accord between the MILF and the Aquino government. The MILF has signed a peace accord with Manila last year, ending decades of bloody fighting in the restive region.

The BIFF has been fighting for independence in Mindanao and has pledged allegiance with the Sunni jihadist group ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20141110094228