Suspect in Mamasapano massacre arrested in Cotabato City

April 7, 2019

Police arrested on Saturday a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who was allegedly involved in the killing of 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) commandos during the 2015 Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao.

A joint operation conducted around 2 pm by PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Cotobato City police led to the arrest of Tamano Esmail Sabpa, also known as Tamano Sabpa Esmael.

According to the authorities, the suspect was nabbed at a parking area of a regional hospital in Cotobato City.

The warrant of arrest against Sabpa for direct assault and murder of SAF personnel was issued last January 25, 2017. No bail was recommended for the case.

Police said they also confiscated the suspect's identification card upon his arrest.

On January 25, 2015, the police commandos had a 12-hour battle with the members of MILF and Bangsamoro Ismaic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano.

Aside from the 44 SAF commandos, 17 MILF members and civilians died in the said encounter. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS