DOJ files rebellion raps vs Misuari, Malik

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - The Department of Justice has filed rebellion and violation of the International Humanitarian Law charges against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leaders Nur Misuari and Habier Malik.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said in Wednesday that the case against Misuari, Malik and 60 other MNLF followers was filed last Monday before the Zamboanga Regional Trial Court.

Misuari is believed to have directed the MNLF attack led by Malik on several Zamboanga City coastal villages resulting in a 20-day standoff with military forces that paralyzed the city.

"The charge of Rebellion arises from their acts, while being heavily armed with high caliber weapons, of attempting to hoist the MNLF flag in front of the Zamboanga City Hall to signify their declaration of independence from, and for the purpose of removing the allegiance to the Philippine government and its laws," De Lima said in a statement.

They were also charged for "publicly taking up arms" and for attacking police, military and civilians "by committing acts of murder, pillage, disorder, looting, arson and destruction of private and public properties," De Lima added.

She explained that Misuari and his aides have violated provisions of Section 4 in relation to Section 7 of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

Rebellion is a non-bailable offense for MNLF leaders, while DOJ recommended a bail of P200,000 each for other respondents. All of the accused, however, cannot avail of bail for violations of RA 9851.

Authorities are still conducting a manhunt for both Malik and Misuari, whose arrest warrants will soon be issued by the Zamboanga court.

"Superbody" to deploy special teams to track fugitives as well as investigate and prosecute human rights cases.

— Dept. of Justice (@DOJPH) October 9, 2013

Related: Cops blow up Nur's house; MNLF leader missing

De Lima said the agency is asking the Supreme Court to transfer the case to a Metro Manila trial court for the hearing.

She added that the DOJ is requesting that the arrested 200 guerrilla fighters be transferred to Bicutan, Parañaque

The Philippine National Police, similarly, filed a formal rebellion complaint against Misuari last October 3 before the Zamboanga City Prosecutors Office.

Aside from Misuari, about 140 other MNLF members under his faction were also charged, the police said.

Government prosecutors are also preparing to charge Misuari for illegal possession of explosives recovered from Misuari's house in Pasay, President Benigno Aquino III revealed Tuesday.

Aquino had said that he ordered De Lima to investigate the Misuari-led siege in Zamboanga for the filing of appropriate charges.

"From the start of the crisis, inatasan natin si Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima na tingnan kung ano ang actual na may pruweba tayo ng pinaggagawa nila," the President said.