2 years after Zambo ‘siege,’ Misuari is still on the loose

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 10): 2 years after Zambo ‘siege,’ Misuari is still on the loose

TWO years after rogue Moro National Liberation Front members attacked several barangays in Zamboanga City authorities have yet to get the brains behind the attack— MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari who now heads one of at least three factions in the former rebel group.

Based on “multi-agency intelligence operation,” Misuari is either in Jolo, Sulu or in Tawi-Tawi, Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said yesterday, the second anniversary of the attack.

A military intelligence official said Misuari is in Sulu but getting him may require “political will” because arresting him may result in massive casualties from the MNLF, the military, and even in the civilian sector.

The Zamboanga “siege,” which lasted for about three weeks, left hundreds of people dead and thousands of civilians displaced.

Misuari was charged with rebellion and crimes against humanity before the Zamboanga City regional trial court, along with dozens of his followers involved in the attacks. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of the accused.

The siege started with hundreds of MNLF fighters landing in Zamboanga City on Sept. 9, 2013 and attempting to raise their flag at the city hall as part of their cause for independence. After authorities thwarted their move, they occupied several barangays and held about 200 barangay residents hostage.

A month-long military campaign and subsequent clearing operations led to the death of about 200 MILF men and capture or surrender of about 300 others. The fighting also resulted in the death of dozens of government troops and civilians and rescue of the hostages.

Earlier reports said the conflict displaced at least 100,000 persons. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Alexander Pama said some of the evacuees are still living in transitional shelters but could not give exact figures.

The military said it is possible Misuari has left the country.

“He might be in areas where he has control of people, the people could be hiding him and keeping him away (from authorities). For all we know, he is not in the country, he may be out of the country,” he said.

Padilla said the military is working with other law enforcement agencies to locate Misuari.

A total of 284 Misuari followers were charged with rebellion before the regional trial court of Zamboanga in November 2013. The case was later transferred to the Pasig City regional trial court for security reasons.

In November last year, the justice department recommended the dismissal of the rebellion charges against 59 of those charged, because there was no evidence of their participation in the siege.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-years-after-zambo-%E2%80%98siege%E2%80%99-misuari-still-loose