'Zamboanga can't contribute in raising bounty for Nur capture'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The city government admitted it is cash-strapped to contribute to the plan of the government to raise the bounty for the immediate arrest of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari, his lieutenants and members behind the deadly siege in this city last month. 

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, chairperson of the local crisis management committee (CMC), said while she is not aware of the plan to raise the bounty and the local government is facing financial difficulties due to the crisis and the recent flood that hit this city.  

Police sources said the hunt for Misuari and his lieutenants has been on goingafter the court release of the warrant of arrest last Wednesday against Misuari, Habier Malik and 60 other personalities for rebellion and violation of the Republic Act 9851, known as the Philippine Act on international humanitarian law, genocide, and other crimes against humanity. 

The military forces in Sulu province, where Misuari has been suspected to be hiding with his forces have been alerted to help in the arrest of the MNLF leader.

Meanwhile, Salazar said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is already in the process of finalizing the request for the CMC to transfer more than 200 captured MNLF members, who participated in the siege. 

Salazar said the CMC has written a letter to the court and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for the transfer of the MNLF suspects for the hearing to be held outside the city.

“Because we know fully well the apprehensions that is faced by the people if the trials will be held here. And besides, our courts are not fully functional and we need to rehabilitate the court,” Salazar said. 

Salazar said, although she is not in the authority, if in case the request will be approved, a mechanism will be in place in transferring the suspects to Manila or any place outside the city for the trials.