Police to let courts decide Misuari’s fate

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will not be investigating Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari’s possible liability for allegedly coddling Abu Sayyaf subleader Abduljihad “Idang” Susukan.

At a virtual press briefing on Monday, Gen. Archie Gamboa, the PNP chief, said that it was up to the courts or the Department of Justice (DOJ) to decide if Misuari could be charged for not immediately informing authorities that Susukan was in his custody.

Gamboa said Misuari handed over Susukan to authorities at Misuari’s residence at Yñigue Subdivision, Barangay Ma-a, Davao City on Aug. 13.

Authorities served 23 warrants of arrest for murder, five for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six for frustrated murder against Susukan.

Susukan reportedly surrendered to Misuari in Jolo, Sulu, in April. He was flown to Davao City on Aug. 10 to be fitted with a prosthetic replacement for his left arm.

A report in The Star of Malaysia last week alleged that Susukan surrendered to an MNLF base in April and even carried a photograph of the supposed surrender.

According to Gamboa, the possibility of charging Misuari with harboring Susukan would depend on “the appreciation of the court or maybe of the DOJ based on the circumstances. But on the part of the PNP, we just caused the arrest.”

Asked if Misuari explained why he was with Susukan for months, Gamboa simply said, “We don’t have any information on this.”

In a statement, Gamboa said the PNP was preparing the report on Susukan’s capture to be submitted to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Court Branch 5 Judge Abdulmoin Pakam who issued one of many arrest warrants, including those for murder and kidnapping, against the notorious bandit leader.

“Together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines we will seek the disposition of the court to transfer the venue of detention of the accused from PNP to the AFP,” he pointed out, adding, “With Susukan in custody, we can now serve all other outstanding warrants of arrest issued against him as soon as we obtain copies of the orders of arrest.”

The Palace, however, said that it was “highly unlikely” that Misuari would be liable for being with Susukan during the latter’s surrender.

Malacañang pointed out that Misuari arranged for Susukan’s surrender.

“So in terms of criminal liability, it’s highly unlikely because he really arranged for Susukan to surrender. Susukan was not arrested because Misuari harbored him, no. He (Misuari) really arranged for authorities to apprehend Susukan in his residence on that given day,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.