Malacañang to investigate Misuari's escape

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Tuesday said that it will order an investigation to determine how Nus Misuari, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), was able to slip out of the country.

"Since that is a violation of the cancellation of the passport, we will look into the circumstance on how he was able to leave the country," said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma Jr.

Misuari is facing various charges in connection with the three-week Zamboanga City siege, where hundreds of people died and thousands of families displaced.

The fugitive rebel leader's spokesman, Emmanuel Fontanilla, claimed earlier that Misuari is already in Guinea, attending the three-day meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference. The meeting will end on Wednesday, December 11.

Manhunt operations were launched against Misuari and several commanders of the MILF, who participated in the bloody siege, after the government filed charges against the rebel leader.