July 13, 2012: Two Army soldiers, who were apprehended by MILF security group during the Moro Leaders’ Assembly in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, were turned over to the headquarters of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Cotabato City.

Said Shiek Al Haj, head of the MILF Coordinting Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), turned over the soldiers to Maj. General Abdul Raheem bin Mohammad Yusuff, IMT Head of Mission, who in turn turned them over to Brig. Gen. Jose Roa, head of the government CCCH Thursday, July 11.

The soldiers were identified as Sgt. Sammy Pasadilla of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division and PFC Jamer Maulana, Civil –Military Operations of the 603rd Brigade, Sixth ID.

The two soldiers, who were nabbed separately, did not resist when accosted by MILF security forces, who were alerted earlier of the presence of suspicious-looking persons.

Recovered from them were two motorcycles and various personal belongings, which were all returned to the soldiers.

In the turnover papers, signed by Roa, Sheik, the two soldiers, and the IMT chief, the MILF reminded the government that an uncoordinated movements and activities are violations of the ceasefire.

The soldiers were supposed to be released last July 10 but higher authorities of the MILF did not clear the release, citing investigation had not been finished yet.

However, the MILF sent Said to inform the IMT head of mission of the delay in the release of the soldiers.

At the time families of the soldiers and some military officials from the government were already at the IMT headquarters.

In another development, the MILF has denied allegation that “Lastikman” or Datukan Samad, is a member of the Front.

Lastikman’ was among the 11 inmates that had bolted out from the Maguindanao provincial jail located at PC Hill in Cotabato City last July 10.

The other escapees as Anwar Maguid, Dhad Daginan, Abel Unsing, Kegkim Omar, Bong Usop, Siki Pilas, Ogie Kimbaw, Ampoy Kimbaw and Basco Puas.

Lastikman is notorious for stealing things even in the most guarded places.