The Sandiganbayan has issued a hold departure order (HDO) against Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari over purchases of educational materials worth P155 million 17 years ago.
The court’s Third Division ordered the Bureau of Immigration to prevent the departure of Misuari and seven others accused in three graft and malversation cases.
The cases were filed only last May 22 although they involved purchases that were made when Misuari was governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2000 and 2001.
Also subject to the HDO were Department of Education Regional Director Leovigilda Cinches, supply officer Sittie Aisa Usman, chief accountant Pangalian Maniri, accountant Alladin Usi and ARMM resident auditor Nader Macagaan.
The HDO also included CPR Publishing owner Cristeta Ramirez and White Orchids Printing and Publishing House owner Lolita Sambeli.
The graft complaint claimed the ARMM government separately released the funds to the publishing firms for educational materials that were never delivered.
Misuari is also facing rebellion charges at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court over the two-week Zamboanga City siege in September 2013.