PNP to let courts decide on fate of Misuari for ‘harboring’ ASG leader

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police leaves to the courts the decision on whether Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari should be held liable for allegedly harboring Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) subleader Abduljihad “Idang” Susukan, who is wanted by law enforcers for a number of alleged suspected terrorist activities.

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said the police will relay to the courts involved the facts relating to how they secured custody of the ASG subleader.

“These are circumstances that would be based on the appreciation of the court or maybe the Department of Justice based on the circumstances. But on the part of the PNP, we just caused the arrest. As to the possible accountability of Misuari, it will be upon the courts to appreciate whether there is such a thing or not,” he explained.

Gamboa earlier said that Misuari handed over Susukan to the police at the MNLF leader’s residence in Davao City on August 13.

Police served 23 warrants of arrest for murder, five for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six for frustrated murder against Susukan after the turnover.

Meanwhile, Gamboa also said the PNP leaves to the court to decide whether Susukan was arrested or if he surrendered.

“It is upon the appreciation of the court. Only the court can determine whether it’s voluntary surrender, if it is arrest or capture based on the prevailing circumstances that has taken place during that incident,” he added.

According to reports, Susukan surrendered to Misuari in Jolo, Sulu in April this year, and was then flown to Davao City on August 10 so he can be fitted with a prosthetic replacement for his left arm that he lost in an armed encounter with state forces.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also noted that security forces were not aware that Susukan arrived in Davao with the MNLF founder until his picture appeared in the media. He also said that authorities will still investigate if Misuari could be charged for his action.

Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, earlier said the military and the PNP will file a motion to the court seeking to transfer Susukan from the PNP’s headquarters in Camp Crame where he is currently detained, to the military’s main base in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

EDV