MNLF poser nabbed

COTABATO CITY – Authorities arrested a man in Magpet, North Cotabato, for possession of a firearm and illegal recruitment during a pre-dawn law enforcement operation Tuesday.

Colonel Maximo Layugan, North Cotabato police director, identified the suspect as Lito Andi, 44, of Barangay Poblacion, Magpet. Also invited for questioning was his wife, Michelle Baya Andi.

Armed with search

warrants issued by a local court, a team of Magpet policemen and the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion personnel raided the house of Adi in Purok Mahayahay, Barangay Poblacion, Magpet.

During the search, law enforcers found a .45 caliber pistol with bullets, a rifle grenade, and a sachet of suspected shabu, Layugan said.

Before his arrest, Andi was summoned by the local police and the Magpet town government for alleged recruitment activities.

Layugan said Andi is allegedly involved in recruiting some 200 locals to join the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for a fee.

Captain Rolando Dillera, town police chief, said Andi also collected payments for MNLF identification cards.

Dillera said Andi failed to present documents when asked to provide proof that his recruitment activities are legal.