PNP forms tracker teams to hunt Misuari

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police said it has formed tracker teams to hunt down Nur Misuari, founder of the Moro National Liberation Front.

Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., PNP deputy chief for Operations, said five teams composed of seven men each, were created to look for Misuari who is facing rebellion charges, among others.

MNLF founding chair Nur Misuar. AP PHOTO

The teams were created after Judge Eric Elumba Branch 13 of Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court issued warrants for the arrest of Misuari and MNLF commanders Habier Malik, Assamin Hussin and Bas Akri, and several others.

He said Misuari was last seen in Talipao, Sulu, but is moving from place to place.

Police said even angry relatives of killed MNLF members were also looking for Misuari.

Some of the arrested rebels earlier claimed that they were promised of P10,000 in exchange for their participation in the “peace rally.” Little did they know that they would be provided with firearms to fight government troops.

“Medyo double alert sya ngayon dahil hindi lang PNP yung naghahanap sa kanya, pati yung relatives nung napatay na niloko nya . . . marami nang iniiwasan si Misuari,” Rojas said.

He said reward money will definitely be offered for information leading to Misuari’s arrest, but said authorities were still deliberating on how much will be offered.

As to Malik, Rojas said they have yet to confirm his status.

“Pero yung relatives nya sa Jolo nag-iyakan,” he said. He added that Malik’s family had allegedly conducted a ceremony for the dead.

The stand-off started last September 9 after the MNLF rebels under Misuari attempted to hoist their flag at the City Hall to declare their independence.

The stand-off ended after 21 days, and took the lives of over 200 persons and displaced more than 100,000.