Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari, the alleged mastermind of the Zamboanga siege last September, has slipped out of the country and is now on his way to Africa to attend the gathering of the members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
This was disclosed by lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesperson, in a phone interview yesterday morning. Fontanilla said Misuari was escorted out of the country by trusted aide Habier Malik, the ground commander of the MNLF group that occupied several coastal barangays.
Malik, however, has returned, according to Fontanilla.
Misuari, Malik and their followers face rebellion and other criminal charges in connection with the siege that killed more than 200 people and displaced thousands of families.
Misuari slipped out of the country via “traditional passage,” according to Fontanilla who did not offer more details.
The arrest warrant does not bother Misuari, according to the MNLF lawyer.
“I would like to reiterate that the warrant is illegal and has no basis. The MNLF is a party to the existing agreement with the government of the Philippines,” he clarified.
Unilateral action by a party to an agreement is not allowed, including the issuance of the warrant of arrest, Fontanilla stressed.
He added that the illegality of the issued warrant against the MNLF chairman is best understood by the international community based on the provisions of international law.
The incident in Zamboanga will be on top of Misuari’s agenda in the meeting, Fontanilla said.
The MNLF will submit a report on the human rights violations committed by the government of the Philippines in handling the crisis in Zamboanga, including the alleged torture of MNLF members.
Earlier this month, Misuari was officially invited by the OIC to attend its 40th session in the Republic of Guinea in Western Africa.
News about Misuari’s trip to West Africa reached Malacanang.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said authorities have been directed to step up the hunt for Misuari amid reports he intends to attend a global forum in West Africa.
“Authorities have been ordered to look into the matter. There is a standing arrest warrant against former governor Misuari in connection with the crisis in Zamboanga,” Coloma said in Filipino during a radio interview.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/12/misuari-to-expose-rps-human-rights-violations/#.UqVJqHJ3scA
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