Court allows Misuari to travel to Saudi, Kenya, UAE

MANILA, Philippines – The Makati City regional trial court has granted the request of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari to travel to three nations for two weeks to meet with some Muslim leaders.

However, Branch 59 Executive Judge Winlove Dumayas imposed two conditions: he should secure sovereign guarantees from the countries of Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he is scheduled to travel, and pay an additional bail of P100,000 which he can eventually refund upon his return on or before June 30.

Dumayas told The STAR that he decided to set the two conditions to ensure that Misuari will return to the Philippines in two weeks, considering that the 66-year-old Muslim leader is facing a rebellion case before his court.

In a motion filed through his lawyer Arthur Lim, Misuari said he wants to visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Kempala, Nairobi; and the UAE and will be back by June 30, 2008.

According to Misuari, he wants to speak with Muslim leaders in the three countries and discuss ways of helping resolve armed conflicts in Mindanao.

He said his trip would be “in line with his commitment to the cause of peace in southern Philippines and its sustainable development.”

Misuari’s camp assured the court that the accused, who is facing rebellion charges in relation to his alleged participation in a bloody uprising in Jolo, Sulu seven years ago, will abide by any conditions set by the court and will not be a flight risk.

Lim even reassured the court that his client will not engage in any partisan political activity or any kind of activity for the matter, whether by word or by deed, that may tend to discredit the Philippine government.

Last April 15, Dumayas ordered Misuari’s release from detention after allowing him to post bail of P50,000.