The Philippine national police chief says a commander of the main Muslim rebel group that recently signed a peace deal with the government has been arrested, while the rebel leaders criticised the move.
Director-General Alan Purisima said on Monday that police and marine forces arrested Wahid Tundoc, a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front wanted for multiple murder and other charges.
Mr. Purisima says Mr. Tundoc and some of his armed followers were apprehended Sunday at a government checkpoint in southern Cotabato city.
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An official for the rebel group, Ghadzali Jaafar, says immunity guarantees under the ceasefire agreement cover Mr. Tundoc, and that talks were underway with the government to free the men. He also said the peace deal would not be affected.