-
Police Supt. Robert Kiunisala, officer in charge of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division, identified the suspect as a certain Latiban Maganaka alias Commander Cobra.
Cobra is also known in his town as Sugagel Maganaka.
Cobra, allegedly a top official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) operating in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, was arrested in his residence in Barangay Lower Paatan in Kabacan, North Cotabato, around 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Kiunisala said Cobra has three warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 22 in Kabacan town for murder and multiple murder charges. No bail bond was recommended for his temporary liberty.
Cobra, according to police records, was responsible for an attack of an Army detachment in Sitio Palla in Barangay Upper Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato.
He was also allegedly responsible for the murder of Samson Caoile Oraña and Bernardo Cadanio Cabilinga on June 5, 2000, and the massacre of the Alfonso family in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Malamote on Dec. 12, 1995.
Kiunisala said a month-long surveillance preceded Cobra’s arrest. RIID operatives conducted the surveillance and eventual arrest together with the Kabacan police.
Cobra is temporarily detained at the Kabacan PNP station while his commitment order is still pending at RTC Branch 22.
