MILF Suspends Maguindanao Commander for Violating Directives
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has taken decisive action by suspending a key commander in Maguindanao for an alleged breach of the group’s established directives.
Sources reported that Abdulwahid Tundok, who leads the 118th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), has been suspended indefinitely. This unit is a part of the MILF’s armed wing, which is currently undergoing decommissioning under the ongoing peace agreement with the government.
Details of the Suspension Order
Local leaders noted that the suspension order was issued by MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on Monday. Tundok, who commands forces stationed at Camp Badre, was cited for violating “command and organizational discipline.” The breach involved his failure to comply with a memorandum that prohibited participation in government activities considered unilateral implementations of the peace deal.
Officials reported that this disciplinary measure came amid the MILF’s decision to pause the final phase of decommissioning its forces and their weapons, signaling a critical moment in the peace process.
The order explicitly states, “You are hereby suspended indefinitely from your post in the MILF effective immediately.” Copies of the suspension were sent to the BIAF chief of staff and the MILF Central Committee secretary.
Context of the Peace Agreement and MILF’s Role
The MILF, once the country’s largest separatist group, signed a historic peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014. Since then, it has played a central role in leading the transitional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Community members highlighted that despite the peace progress, internal discipline remains a priority to ensure the smooth implementation of agreements and cooperation with government mechanisms.
Although Chair Ebrahim did not specify the exact incident that led to Tundok’s suspension, the move underscores the MILF’s commitment to uphold order and adherence to its protocols during this sensitive phase.
Implications for the Bangsamoro Peace Process
Observers emphasized that the suspension signals the MILF leadership’s intent to enforce strict compliance as the decommissioning process faces delays. Maintaining discipline within the ranks is critical to sustaining trust between the MILF and the government, as well as among the Bangsamoro people.
This development may affect the pace at which the MILF completes the disarmament and integration of its forces, a key component of the peace deal’s final implementation.
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