DOJ files rebellion raps vs Misuari, aides

Published October 9, 2013 11:39am

(Updated 1:39 p.m.) The Department of Justice has filed rebellion charges and violation of the International Humanitarian Law (Republic Act 9851) against Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari and 60 others for last month's assault on Zamboanga City.

Charged along with Misuari were some of his commanders including Habier Malik, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported earlier in the day.

The charges were filed before the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court on Monday.

Only Misuari, Malik and two others are still at large while 57 of those charged are now under detention at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City.

The DOJ said the attack on Zamboanga resulted in several casualties and extensive damage within the city, particularly in barangays Mariki, Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara, Sta Catalina, Kasanyangan, Talon-talon and Mampang, among others.

The rebellion charge stemmed from Misuari and his men's taking up arms and attacking members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces, as well as innocent civilians and by committing “acts of murder, pillage, disorder, looting, arson and destruction of private and public properties

The second information filed focuses on the armed men's acts of violence against the residents who did not take an active part in the armed hostilities and taking non-combatant civilians as hostages while fighting with government forces which led to the deaths of 12 people, and injuries to "75 percent of civilians."

The third information dealt with the armed group's forcible opening of houses, taking about 300 hostages which they used as human shields and the burning of 9,732 houses and building, both public and private, causing a damage amounting to more than P200 million.

The Zamboanga prosecutors did not recommend any bail for the MNLF leaders while a P200,000 bail was recommended for their followers. No bail was also recommended for the violation of RA 9851.

Zambo attack

Last Sept. 9, Misuari's followers entered Zamboanga City and occupied some villages, taking civilians as hostages. But government forces retook the MNLF-controlled areas and declared the crisis over by Sept. 28.

An earlier Agence France-Presse report said the incursion sparked three weeks of street battles with elite military forces that forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes. Over 200 people died in the Zamboanga CIty crisis.

Last week, police raided the house of Misuari in Zamboanga City after a search warrant was issued by a local court. Though Misuari was not there, documents and suspected components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were among the items found in his house.

On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III said Misuari faces charges of rebellion as well as illegal possession of explosives.

Last month, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group lodged criminal charges against Malik and at least 28 followers of Misuari.

Not the first time

Rebellion charges were filed against Misuari in 2001 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.

In 2009, Makati Judge Winlove Dumayas dismissed the rebellion charges after the prosecution failed to produce enough evidence to prove his guilt.

The acquittal came a day after Misuari filed his certificate of candidacy for Sulu governor under the Bangon Pilipinas party led by Bro. Eddie Villanueva. Misuari ran for the same post in 2007, but lost to then reelectionist Abdusakur Tan. — with Amita LegaspiKG/RSJ/LBG, GMA News

Tags: nurmisuari, zamboangacityattack, mnlf