Palace mulls bounty, rejects shoot-to-kill vs Misuari

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is studying whether to put a bounty on Nur Misuari, but rejected a shoot-to-kill order for him.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday: “We do not certainly abide by shoot on site or shoot-to-kill order. I will leave the rest to the PNP (Philippine National Police) on the ground as to what they are doing about this.”

Valte said she has not heard of any effort to ask neighboring countries like Malaysia to locate Misuari.

“So far, our efforts are still local,” she said.

Security forces are bracing for the next move of Misuari, she added.

Last week, authorities filed rebellion charges against Misuari and 83 of his followers in connection with the Zamboanga City crisis.

Misuari and his followers were also accused of violating human rights under Republic Act 9851 or crimes against International Humanitarian Law.

Also charged were MNLF commanders Habier Malik, Ismael Dasta, Usong Ugong, Salip Idjal and a certain Kumander Haider.

Senior Superintendent Edgar Danao, Zamboanga peninsula Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, said they have affidavits  from witnesses linking Misuari to the attack in Zamboanga City last Sept. 9.

He also cited Misuari’s declaration of independence in Talipao, Sulu last August.

Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, has sent troops in all possible escape routes of Misuari. The Navy has also sent gunboats to stop Misuari’s escape, possibly to Malaysia, if he is still in Sulu.

Reports said Misuari has moved out of his camp in Talipao after the government had filed charges against him.

Authorities raided Misuari’s house in Zamboanga City last week.

Meanwhile, five soldiers accused of looting the house of Zamboanga City Councilor BG Guingona have been brought to Fort Bonifacio in Makati.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the soldiers are detained at the custodial center for investigation.

He declined to reveal their identities but revealed that one of them is an official. Investigators will determine whether their case should be elevated to the court- martial.

“They should be punished if they are found liable,” he said.

“It (looting) should not be condoned hence they should be punished so that everyone will know that we do not work that way in our organization.”

The soldiers may be charged before the military court for conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. The five may also face criminal cases before a civilian court. “The most we can give them is discharge. The court may also give an additional punishment.”