60 suspects in Zambo standoff to be transferred to Bagong Diwa

From InterAksyon (Oct 18): 60 suspects in Zambo standoff to be transferred to Bagong Diwa



Suspected MNLF gunmen are taken to detention in a bus in Zamboanga City (AFP file)

At least 60 suspected Moro National Liberation Front fighters will be detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City after the Supreme Court approved the transfer to Metro Manila of their trial for charges over their alleged involvement in the deadly Zamboanga City standoff.

Explaining the procedure, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the high court will first order the Zamboanga regional trial court to “elevate the records of the case” to the Taguig RTC.

The judge to whom the case is raffled off will then issue a commitment order for the transfer of the suspects from Zamboanga to Bagong Diwa.

The suspects are all accused of rebellion and violations of international humanitarian law.

Also charged is MNLF founder Nur Misuari, his trusted lieutenant Habier Malik, who led the rebels in Zamboanga, and two other commanders, all of whom remain at large.

De Lima said the Zamboanga suspects will be separated from other “high profile” Bagong Diwa detainees, notably alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf and members of the Ampatuan clan and others accused of involvement in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre.

The Justice secretary explained that the transfer of venue was originally requested by Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabella Climaco-Salazar, who cited security concerns, especially should the MNLF attempt to spring the suspects.

“We concurred, the prosecutors concurred, the National Prosecution Service agreed na hindi dapat sa Zamboanga, mas delikado, mas nagpo-pose ng serious security concern, mas mataas ang probability na ma-rescue (that the trial shouldn’t be in Zamboanga, it’s more dangerous, poses a serious security concern, a higher probability of rescue),” De Lima said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/73017/60-suspects-in-zambo-standoff-to-be-transferred-to-bagong-diwa