Arrest warrants out vs Misuari, Malik and two others over Zambo attack

(Updated 5:48 p.m.) A local court in Zamboanga City has issued arrest warrants against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari and three others in connection with the Zamboanga City attack that led to the deaths of over 200 people and the displacement of thousands of others.

In a text message to reporters Wednesday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she was informed about this development by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Arellano said Zamboanga Ciry Regional Trial Court Branch 13 Judge Eric Elumba ordered the arrest of Misuari, MNLF commander Habier Malik, Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin.

The issuance of arrest warrants came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed rebellion charges and violation of the International Humanitarian Law (Republic Act 9851) against Misuari, Malik and 60 others for last month's assault on Zamboanga City.

The other 57 charged are now under detention at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City.

In an interview with reporters earlier in the day, De Lima said they have a strong case against Misuari.

“Nung pumunta ako dun nung Friday and Saturday, I precisely checked out the evidence and I’m convinced that we have sufficient evidence and strong evidence this time around to prosecute successfully Nur Misuari et. al. Kasi yan exactly ang instruction ng Pangulo,” she said.

She said the prosecutors will ensure that the case is strong unlike the rebellion charge filed against Misuari in 2001 following the MNLF attack on Sulu province.

“Nung 2009, he was acquitted by a (Makati court) for insufficiency of evidence kasi tiningnan ko nga yung records ng kaso na yun, apat lang na prosecution witnesses ang prinesent noon at wala pang mga direct and personal knowledge so sinigurado po namin ngayon na these charges will hold water or will stick in court,” De Lima said.

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.

De Lima said they also requested the Supreme Court for a transfer of the venue of the case from Zamboanga City to anywhere within Metro Manila.

“Delikado kasi kung doon pa rin ang magiging venue ng trial and mismong si (Zamboanga City) Mayor Beng Climaco sumulat po siya sa akin at ganun ang sinabi niya na kung pwede humingi ng authorization from the Supreme Court to transfer the venue of the trial because of the security,” she said.

“Very serious security concerns sa Zamboanga so in-attach nga namin 'yung letter request na pinirmahan ng Prosecutor General Arellano at 'yung letter ni Mayor Climaco,” De Lima added. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News