SC approves transfer of Misuari, et al. trial to Taguig

The trial for the rebellion charges filed against leaders and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in connection with last month's attack on Zamboanga City will be held in Taguig City instead of in Mindanao.

This was after the Supreme Court granted the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to transfer the case from Zamboanga City due to safety concerns.

“The request of the Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano requesting for a change of venue was endorsed to the Court en banc which approved the transfer of venue from Zamboanga City to the appropriate Regional Trial Court of Taguig City,” said SC spokesman Ted Te at a press briefing Thursday.

Among those charged with rebellion and violation of the International Humanitarian Law in connection with the Zamboanga attack were MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari and MNLF commander Habier Malik, as well as 60 other MNLF members.

The charges were filed with the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court on October 7.

The Zamboanga conflict lasted for about three weeks starting on September 9, when Misuari’s followers entered Zamboanga City, seized some villages, and took civilian hostages. Over 200 people died in the conflict, while thousands were forced to flee from their homes.

Misuari is still at large and reportedly in the Middle East, although the military has denied this. — Rouchelle Dinglasan/KBK, GMA News