DOJ forms panel to prosecute Misuari, et al.

MNLF leader Nur Misuari. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has designated a team of prosecutors to handle the case filed against Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari and several others in connection with the Zamboanga siege last month.

Based on Department Order 799, head of the panel is Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon. Members include Regional Prosecutor Peter Medalle, Assistant State Prosecutors Aristotle Reyes and Niven Canlapan and Prosecution Attorney Cesar Angelo Chavez III.

Misuari, together with MNLF Commanders Ustadz Habier Malik, Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin and 57 others are facing a case for Rebellion and violation of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes against Humanity.

The Supreme Court has already granted the request of the Department of Justice, through Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to transfer the case to Manila,

Arellano said prior to the transfer of the 57 accused, records of the case must be transferred from Zamboanga to the Taguig Regional Trial Court.

“Once the records are transmitted, the case will be raffled. Then, the court to which the case is raffled will issue the commitment order,” Arellano said.

Only the 57 accused are detained. The four MNLF leaders are still at large.