ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga
del Sur, Philippines -- Southern Command chief
Major General Senga stepped in on Tuesday to
prevent a major Army offensive against Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels suspected
of killing a sergeant over the weekend in
Maguindanao province.
Colonel Gerry Jalandoni of the Army's 604th
Infantry Brigade based in the province
threatened earlier on the same day to attack the
base of the MILF's 109th Infantry Brigade in
Mamasapano town unless the separatist Muslim
rebel group turned over the suspects in
Saturday's ambush-slay of Sergeant Charles
Molina.
Jalandoni also told the MILF to turn over
Molina’s firearm and personal belongings, which
the suspects allegedly took.
Molina was driving home and was passing by
Barangay (village) Tinantangan in Mamasapano
when suspected MILF rebels shot him.
Jalandoni gave the MILF 72 hours to act on
his demands. The ultimatum lapsed at 2:30 p.m on
Tuesday.
Senga said he talked to Jalandoni Tuesday
afternoon and told him to elevate the issue with
the
joint committee on the cessation of
hostilities (CCCH).
Senga said Jalandoni promised not to take
drastic action.