MNLF rebels await jail transfer

From Business World (Oct 15): MNLF rebels await jail transfer

The 24 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) detainees who surrendered to the city’s former police chief during the standoff last month are still under the jurisdiction of the local Philippine National Police, the chief inspector of the city reformatory center said yesterday.

Major Julius Arro said his office is still waiting for a “commitment order” from the Supreme Court before it would turn over the detained MNLF fighters to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

These rebels are facing a rebellion case in connection with the three-week attack in the city by MNLF fighters belonging to Misuari faction on Sept. 9.

“While we are waiting for the commitment order these 24 rebels detained in our facility are for safekeeping only, and they are still under the supervision of the police,” Mr. Arro told reporters. “For their safety, this has been the agreement with the Philippine National Police and Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” he added.

The 24 MNLF fighters surrendered to former city police Chief Jose Chiquito M. Malayo during the standoff.

The Department of Justice has filed a case of rebellion against MNLF founder Nur Misuari, Ustadz Habier Malik and 59 others in connection with the Zamboanga standoff.

Last week, the local government has filed a petition to transfer the hearings of the case outside the city due to security concerns.

“It is a security threat on the lives of the people. The desire of the people of Zamboanga is to transfer the trial,” Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said noting Zamboangueños are still traumatized by the intense hostilities that occurred daily for over three weeks.

“We cannot just remove this nightmare in one sitting,” she added.

Mr. Arro said that the suspected MNLF members are being held in a separate detention cell. “Their food allowances are provided by the police,” he said. “They [MNLF detainees] are also given the right to receive visits but only limited for the immediate family,” Mr. Arro added.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=MNLF-rebels-await-jail-transfer&id=77972