DOJ finds probable cause vs 13 MILF men

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines - The Justice department's special task force on anti-terrorism in central Mindanao has found probable cause to charge in court 13 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) personalities blamed for the recent attacks against civilians in North Cotabato. The DoJ resolution was issued by City Prosecutor Al Calica, head of the task force, on August 29 and copies of the 10-page decision were released to media Wednesday. In a radio interview over Catholic-ran DXND, Calica said that after a thorough investigation of the documents presented to them by five police stations in North Cotabato, they found enough pieces of evidence that would link MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato and 12 others in more than a hundred criminal complaints. Of the 107 complaints, 42 were for arson; 37 were for robbery in band; 18 for attempted murder; four for murder; two each for grave coercion, serious illegal detention, and violation of the Anti-Cattle Rustling Act. Calica said that more than 50 percent of the cases filed were hurled against Kato and his men. “The (pieces of) evidence presented are so strong. We have no doubt the local courts will immediately issue warrants for their arrests," said Calica. The 105 of the 107 cases were filed at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Midsayap and the other two cases on grave coercion were filed at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MTCC) in Pigcawayan, also in North Cotabato. Other than Kato, also included in the complaint sheets are rebel commanders Wahid Tondoc; Mustapha Gundalanga known as Commander Tha; Abdul Bayan Guiamblang; Jack Abas; a certain Mohamad; a certain Meding; Usi Ampatuan; Musa Alamada who is known as Commander Paradise; a certain Talio; Commander Unson; Commander Cobra; and Camarodin Hadji Ali or Commander Mudi who is also known as Doctor Hadji Akbar. Also included were Kato’s men identified as Ismael Manalasal, Rakman Sulaik, Kuasin Sulaik, Mama Guiamilon, Nayang Timan, Datukan Montok, Tumalao Butuan, and several others, data showed. Calica said that based on the investigations and background check of those individuals accused of arson and other crimes, they found out that some of them were already charged with multiple murder and frustrated murder in relation to bombing activities in North Cotabato, including the October 2006 blast in Makilala town that killed eight persons and injured 30 others. The courts will have at least 15 days to study further the documents for the issuance of orders to arrest these persons. - Malu Cadeliña Manar, GMANews.TV