Lawless group leader nabbed in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22. 2021): Lawless group leader nabbed in Maguindanao (By Noel Punzalan)

ARRESTED. Suspected leader of a lawless armed group, Anayatin Duma, after his arrest by a combined military and police team at his hideout in Sitio Tangguapo, Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Friday (May 21, 2021). Duma is facing a string of frustrated murder and murder charges before a local court. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Military and police authorities have arrested the suspected leader of a lawless group long wanted for a string of murders in Maguindanao.

Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said Saturday joint elements of the 6th Infantry Battalion, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG-BAR), and Datu Piang police arrested Anayatin Duma in Sitio Tangguapo, Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang town.

“Duma is facing multiple frustrated murder and murder cases with criminal case no. 2003-018 without bail bond,” Balisi said.

Duma was also listed as one of the most wanted persons linked to local terrorist groups, under the joint orders on rewards of the Department of National Defense and Department of the Interior and Local Government, he added.

The suspect peacefully submitted himself to authorities after he was frisked and handcuffed at his hideout on Friday morning.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and head of the Joint Task Force Central, said Duma’s arrest would weaken the threats of criminality in Maguindanao.

“We will not let our guard down against these law offenders. We will continue to pursue them,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141128