Palace: Misuari liability in case of Abu Sayyaf leader ‘highly unlikely’

MANILA, Philippines — It is “highly unlikely” that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari will be criminally charged for the arrest of Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Edang Susukan in his residence in Davao City, Malacañang said Monday, noting that the Moro leader “arranged” the surrender of the terror suspect.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Misuari did not harbor Susukan, who is one of the country’s most wanted men.

“Ang alam ko po he (Misuari) arranged for the surrender, so in terms of criminal liability medyo highly unlikely po kasi he really arranged for Susukan to surrender,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.

“Hindi po nahuli si Susukan dahil tinatago ni Nur Misuari; parang hindi po ganun. Parang he really arranged for authorities will apprehend Susukan in his residence on that given day,” he added.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier said 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.

But Gamboa said the PNP is leaving it to the court to decide whether Susukan was arrested or if he surrendered.

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

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, security forces were not aware that Susukan arrived in Davao City, President Duterte’s hometown, with the MNLF founder until his picture appeared in the media.

READ: Abu Sayyaf subleader Idang Susukan spotted with Nur Misuari in Davao City

Misuari, meanwhile, also has standing arrest warrants for rebellion and graft.

Duterte has been talking peace with Misuari, who was recently appointed as the country’s special economic envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

JE