Police arrested an alleged commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wanted for arson in connection with the burning of a barangay official’s house and motorcycle in Maguindanao del Sur last year.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Kumander,” was arrested during a manhunt operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on November 10, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cotabato City Field Unit, its Tracker Team, the 1404th Maneuver Force Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, and the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station.
Authorities served an arrest warrant issued by a court in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on October 2, 2026. The warrant carried no recommended bail.
According to police investigators, the suspect and 26 other individuals allegedly set fire to the house and motorcycle of a barangay councilor in Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, on July 2, 2025.
Investigators said the attack was reportedly linked to a land dispute and an alleged clan feud, locally known as rido.
Following an investigation, the CIDG filed arson complaints against 16 suspects before the prosecution service, resulting in the issuance of arrest warrants.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said law enforcement authorities would continue pursuing individuals wanted for serious offenses regardless of their affiliations or influence.
“Criminal charges must be pursued regardless of the accused person’s influence, position, or affiliation. We will see to it that those sought by the courts are located and arrested in accordance with the law,” Nartatez said.
He also warned that land disputes and personal conflicts should never be used to justify violence or destruction of property.
“Ang alitan sa lupa o anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan ay hindi dahilan upang manira ng ari-arian o manakit ng kapwa. May batas na dapat sundin at may pananagutang dapat harapin,” he added.
The PNP said the arrest formed part of its intensified campaign against wanted individuals under its Enhanced Managing Police Operations program.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether the suspect had entered a plea or provide details on the status of the other accused individuals.
