Pasig RTC grants Misuari camp's motion to suspend arrest warrant, proceedings

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): Pasig RTC grants Misuari camp's motion to suspend arrest warrant, proceedings

The Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted the motion to suspend proceeding and enforcement of warrants filed by the camp of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari in connection with his role in the 2013 Zamboanga City siege.

In eight-page resolution on Oct. 27 but released on Thursday signed by Presiding Judge Maria Rowena Modesto- San Pedro of Pasig RTC Branch 158, granted a motion to suspend the proceedings and enforcement of warrants of arrest against Misuari and it is effective for a period of six months unless sooner lifted by the court.  ”The suspension of proceedings and the enforcement of the warrants of Arrest against the accused Nur Misuari shall be for a period of six months from date of this resolution, unless sooner lifted by the court,” the court said. ”Accordingly, let proceedings in thses case against accused Nur MIsuari be suspended. The Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies are herbey directed to suspend, as well the enforcement of the Warrants of Arrest Issued against accused Misuari,” the court added.

The court also said that the accused Nur Misuari , the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) are hereby directed to strictly comply with the separate written undertakings they filed with the court and let the first monthly report filed on or before November 22.

Misuari and his key commanders Ustadz Habier Malik, Assamin Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin were charged with rebellion and violation of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

The Zamboanga City local government had filed a case against Misuari and his followers for violation of humanitarian law, which is pending at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

The charges were initially filed before the Zamboanga RTC but it was transferred to the Pasig RTC upon orders of the Supreme Court due to security consideration.

According to Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco-Salazar, the case is in the interest of those who died and were affected by the 21-day siege which killed more than 200 civilians, soldiers, and rebels. Thus, they are standing firm in making Misuari and the MNLF answer for what happened.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier called on the military and police not to arrest Misuari so as not to affect his efforts to forge peace with the MNLF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=936898