DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Police arrested a former Philippine Army member after he allegedly assaulted his wife and insulted and challenged responding officers during a disturbance in Barangay Upper Capiton around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, December 28.
The suspect was identified as Noel Pasawilan Musa, 43, a resident of the village and a former Scout Ranger who has long been marked Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from the military.
According to the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, authorities received a complaint from the victim involving the suspect’s violent behavior under the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) law.
Police personnel led by PSSG Daing under the direction of Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, Chief of Police, immediately proceeded to the area. However, instead of cooperating, Musa reportedly became more aggressive and identified himself as a soldier, asserting knowledge of the law.
Police said the suspect hurled curses at them, shouting “Mga wala kayong alam sa batas,” and even challenged the officers to a fistfight.
At that point, authorities were forced to restrain and arrest the suspect to prevent further harm.
Musa was brought to the police station for documentation and proper disposition. He is now detained at a police facility in Barangay Tamontaka and faces direct assault charges under Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code. Family members of the victim are also pushing for the filing of additional charges under Republic Act 9262 for his alleged abuse.
Military sources from Western Mindanao Command and the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio confirmed that Musa has long been AWOL from his Scout Ranger unit.
Police investigation into the incident continues.