MNLF bomb-maker transferred to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The alleged bomb expert of the Moro National Liberation Front is now detained at the Cebu City jail after he was transferred from Parang, Sulu where he was arrested on Sunday.

Mihaji Hamjuda alias Mahang was transported by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Zamboanga team yesterday following the transfer of his trial to Cebu. The trial is set for July 7.

On April 11, the multiple murder case filed against members reportedly of the MNLF, including Hamjuda, was received by the Office of the Clerk of Court-Criminal Division in Cebu from Jolo, Sulu. It was raffled to Regional Trial Court Branch 9 under presiding Judge Alexander Acosta on April 22.

The trial is transferred to Cebu City upon the request of the witnesses who are U.S. Army personnel.

During the transfer, the CIDG-7 provided security to the CIDG Zamboanga team.

CIDG assistant team leader for Metro Cebu, Police Inspector Reydian Corales, said that they provided security to the CIDG Zamboanga team since Hamjuda is categorized as a high-risk prisoner.

“We are directed to provide security regarding this arrested allegedly member of MNLF Demolition Team”, said Corales, who added that it is risky to attend the hearing in Sulu.

Corales assured that the security of the Cebuanos will not be at risk with the transfer of Hamjuda. 

“Lahat naman ng kapulisan including the counterpart of the military ay magpo-provide naman ng security kung kinakailangan,” Corales said.

“Mahang” faces multiple murder charges for allegedly killing two U.S. Army officers and a Philippine Marine in a bombing in Kagay Roadside in Jolo, Sulu in 2009.

Apart from Hamjuda, other MNLF members are also facing the charge.

Acting Provincial Prosecutor Annie Marie Pierreangeli Ledesma elevated the three counts of murder to the court against the accused after she found probable cause. She recommended no bail against them. (FREEMAN)