MILF denies claims fugitive 'Lastikman' is its member

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday denied allegations that Kumander Lastikman (a.k.a. Datukan Samad), one of the 11 inmates who bolted the Maguindanao Provincial Jail earlier this week, is a member of the Moro armed group.

 

"Lastikman is notorious for stealing things even in the most guarded places," the MILF said in an article posted on the group's website.

 

Earlier news reports had claimed Lastikman was a former member of the MILF's so-called Special Operations Group.

 

He had also been linked to kidnapping activities.

 

Lastikman was among 11 inmates who escaped from the Maguindanao Provincial Jail early last Tuesday, even as police admitted one of the escapees was a "jail trustee" who held the keys to some of the cells in the jail.

 

Investigation showed the inmates escaped after sawing off an iron grille near the comfort room of the jail.

 

At least two of the escaped inmates had been recaptured less than 24 hours after the incident. — RSJ, GMA News