Manila: A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF), accused of murder and frustrated murder in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, has been apprehended by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during a police operation in Cotabato City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maj. Helen Dela Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of the CIDG Public Information Office, announced in a press briefing at Camp Crame that alias Ali Akbar was arrested at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. Akbar was receiving treatment after a confrontation with government troops. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court 15 Sharif Aguak in Maguindanao, citing charges of murder and frustrated murder.
Akbar was identified as a "regional most wanted" individual. He was reportedly involved in a clash on August 10, where his group, aligned with the 128th Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Base Command, encountered opposition from the 118th MILF Base Command. The encounter led to injuries to Akbar and four others.
The arrest of Akbar stems from an incident on March 30, 2024, where he, alongside 21 others, allegedly ambushed Barangay Kagawad Andari Salim and Police Staff Sgt. Sianga Mansor. The ambush resulted in Salim's death, while Mansor survived the attack.
In a separate operation, the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit, in collaboration with other PNP units and the Air Intelligence and Security Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), apprehended 'Jona,' a former PAF member. The arrest took place in Brgy. Longos, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, during an entrapment operation on August 13.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, CIDG chief, reported the suspect was caught while allegedly impersonating an active PAF member and extorting money from an applicant. The suspect promised inclusion on the recruitment list in exchange for PHP32,000. Upon demanding an additional PHP89,000, the victim became suspicious and reported the incident to authorities.
Investigations revealed the suspect no longer had ties with the PAF. She faced charges before the National Prosecution Service for violating Article 315 (Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code, related to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Article 177 of the RPC (Usurpation of Authority), and Article 294 of the RPC (Robbery/Extortion).
