Search warant promts MILF commander's surrender

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 9, 2008) – A high-ranking rebel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) surrendered to authorities Wednesday (October 8) in barangay Datu Dani, Kiamba town, Sarangani.

A wounded Rico Watamama, 53, said to be an MILF deputy brigade commander, surrendered himself along with an M1 Garand rifle to Kiamba Mayor Rom Falgui and Philippine Army's 25th Infantry Battalion Commander Major Rolando Rodil.

"My platoon leader noticed surrender (signals) on the part of the rebels at 5am after intense firefight and running encounter," Rodil told a news conference yesterday (October 8).

"We initiated a series of combat operations in the vicinity of Datu Dani in support of the police operation conducted by the Sarangani police," Rodil said.

Police Provincial Director SSupt. Danilo Peralta said military assistance was requested in implementing the search warrant for three households in sitio Puago Tuesday (October 7).

The search warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court for the group responsible for the burning of barangay hall, day care center and three other edifices in Barangay Gasi Saturday.

A Cal. 45 pistol with ammunition was confiscated in the house of Victor Watamama during the search operation.

Peralta said further investigation would reveal how Victor Watamama, who was reportedly at large, is related to Commander Rico Watamama.

"Our troops were actually feeding Rico Watamama with another surrenderee Nasser Bansil, both were wounded, when we arrived," Rodil said.

Authorities said the surrenderees are now being treated in a hospital they refuse to divulge for security reasons.

Sarangani officials in coordination with the PNP and the military organized a taskforce to deter further atrocities to occur in the neighboring towns of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum.

"We always believe in the local initiatives and solutions to local problems," Governor Migs Dominguez said.

A series of peace consultations with the communities, local officials, police and the military have been conducted in these neighboring towns during the past three months. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)