Friday, October 10, 2008 Two MILF leaders yield in Sarangani
TWO ranking commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sarangani surrendered to the military Wednesday morning after they were wounded in a battle a day before.
Colonel Rolando Bautista of the Army's 10th Infantry Division identified the deputy brigade commander of the 107th Base Command of the MILF as Rico Watamama and his comrade Nasser Bansil.
The two surrendered to soldiers belonging to the Army's 25th Infantry Battalion under Major Rolando Rodil, Major Patricio Tomales of the Army's 1002nd Brigade, Kiamba Mayor Rommel Falgui and Insp. Alex Orcajada of the Kiamba police during a simple ceremony at the 25th IB's patrol base in Sitio Puago, Barangay Datu Dani on October 8.
The two MILF rebels sustained gunshot wounds in their arms and legs during an encounter with Army troops Tuesday.
Watamama surrendered with one Garand rifle. The two were immediately treated by the Army soldiers and later transported to a hospital for proper medical treatment.
Bautista said their offensive against the rebels in Sarangani will continue until such time that the capability of the lawless MILF group would be diminished.
"However, we accept those members of LMGs who wish to surrender with open arms and we will facilitate whatever assistance that will be provided by the LGUs when they return to the folds of the law," Bautista said. (BOT)
