PNoy: MNLF founder Misuari still in PHL

By KIMBERLY JANE TAN, GMA News

Published October 23, 2013 11:51am

(Updated 2:28 p.m.) - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said reports reaching him indicate that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari is still in the Philippines.

Aquino, during a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, said the reports show that Misuari is possibly in Sulu.

"The latest report is he’s still in the country, in Sulu, and transferring from island to island. We are still exerting efforts to get him [in government custody in] the soonest possible time," he said.

The President earlier said they were just waiting for the arrest warrant against Misuari to come out before issuing a bounty. On Wednesday, however, he said he has been so busy that they have yet to settle the matter.

"I’ve been in so many activities for ASEAN, for APEC and also the state visit to Korea, and I also have...Bohol. [But] since we already have a warrant of arrest, I think that is the last stop or the last step that we have to accomplish before we issue a bounty or a reward for the information leading to the capture of Mr. Misuari," he said.

On the other hand, he said they cannot yet confirm whether MNLF commander Habier Malik was really killed.

"I don’t think there is any confirmation at this point in time. The important thing is they, as a force, have been greatly reduced," he said.

Misuari and at least 80 of his followers had been charged with rebellion and violation of International Humanitarian Law for the Zamboanga City crisis that left dozens dead.

Last Sept. 9, Misuari’s followers entered parts of the city and engaged government forces in a standoff by taking civilian hostages, but government forces took back the MNLF-controlled areas and declared the crisis over by Sept. 28.

It was not the first time rebellion charges were filed against Misuari.

In 2001, Misuari also faced rebellion charges for allegedly ordering MNLF forces to attack government troops in Sulu to prevent the holding of new elections. More than 100 people were killed in that incident.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he was arrested and deported to the Philippines. He was put under house arrest while his case was being heard before the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 59. He was allowed to post bail in 2008. —KG, GMA News

Tags: nurmisuari, mnlf, zamboangacityattack, benignoaquinoiii