DOJ seeks SC nod on transfer of Misuari case to Manila

MNLF leader Nur Misuari. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice through its National Prosecution Service (NPS) asked the Supreme Court to transfer the venue of the case against leaders and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from Zamboanga City to anywhere within the National Capital Region.

“It is too dangerous if the trial will be conducted in Zamboanga,” De Lima told reporters Wednesday.

She said even Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco sent her a letter requesting that they help her seek a transfer of the case from the city to another venue.

“There are very serious security concerns in Zamboanga so we attached her letter to our request to the Supreme Court,” De Lima said.

De Lima said she will also move for the transfer of the arrested MNLF members from Zamboanga jail to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

Misuari and 60 others have been charged before the Zamboanga Court for rebellion and violation of International Humanitarian Law.

The Zamboanga Hall of Justice where all courts are located that opened last October 4 has been affected by the conflict. It is a four-storey building located in Sta. Barbara, one of the towns most affected by the conflict.

It was at the receiving end of gunfire exchanges since it was beside a Mosque where MNLF snipers were hiding.