More MNLF members charged for Zamboanga siege

Department of Justice building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice has charged 217 more Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in connection with the bloody siege in Zamboanga City.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano said on Monday that from 63 accused, there are now 280 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.

Of the 280, Arellano said 12 are at large including MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari and MNLF Commanders Ustadz Habier Malik, Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin.

“Originally, there were 63 accused. There are additional 217 as per the 7th amended information,” Arellano said in a text message.

Arellano said the amended information will not slow down the transfer of case from Zamboanga to Taguig in Metro Manila.

The Supreme Court has already allowed the transfer of the case against MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari and 60 others from Zamboanga to Taguig after the DOJ cited security concerns.

The DOJ has already filed a manifestation in the Zamboanga Court to transfer records of the case to Manila.

 Originally posted at 11:11 a.m. | November 4, 2013