Palace tells off Nur: You’re no DiCaprio

MNLF leader Nur Misuari: No DeCaprio FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—You’re not Leo DiCaprio.

That’s Malacañang’s response to Nur Misuari’s challenge to the government to find and arrest him for the deadly attack on Zamboanga City.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda reminded Misuari on Wednesday that he was not con artist Frank Abagnale portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can.”

But Misuari should not worry. Lacierda said the government would not hesitate to pick him up after it had filed charges against him in court and the court had issued a warrant for his arrest.

Misuari has made himself scarce since his armed followers belonging to one of the factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attacked Zamboanga City on Sept. 9.

Amid talk of rebellion charges being readied against Misuari, the MNLF leader’s spokesman, Absalom Cerveza, said Misuari was not afraid of the government and was daring the state to come after him.

President Aquino announced in Zamboanga City on Sunday that the government would hold Misuari responsible for the attack on the city and for the misery the violence had inflicted on the city’s residents and the losses it caused on the local economy.

Speaking to the press after overseeing military operations against the rebels in Zamboanga City for 10 days, Aquino said the Department of Justice was preparing to file charges against Misuari.

Asked about the whereabouts of Misuari, Lacierda had no direct answer, but he said the government would use all of its resources to bring the MNLF leader to justice.

“He’s not Leo DiCaprio that we will catch him if we can. It’s not something like that,” Lacierda said.

“We have the resources to (find and arrest him),” he added.

Repeating the President’s statement to journalists on Sunday, Lacierda said state prosecutors were now in Zambonga gathering evidence against Misuari.

“They will come up with an airtight case against those responsible. Once they are prepared to file charges, they will do so,” he said.