Military assures Misuari still hiding somewhere in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines - Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari is still in Sulu, the military said Monday.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Armed Forces' public affairs chief, issued the statement amid reports that Misuari will attend the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting in Conakry, Republic of New Guinea from December 9 to 11.

Zagala, meanwhile, declined to react to questions whether theOIC should hand Misuari to the Philippines as the latter is considered a fugitive regarding his part in the September Zamboanga City siege.

Instead of the direct answer to the media's questions, Zagala clarified that an arrest warrant is already out for Misuari.

"If he is really innocent as he claims, then he should surrender and answer all the charges against him," the military official said.

Zagala also said that the military is willing to help the Philippine National Police in hunting down Misuari, who is facing charges for instigating the Zamboaga City siege that left more than 200 people killed.

"Of course the lead in the arrest of Nur Misuari is the Philippine National Police but of course the AFP being the partner of the PNP, we will make available all personnel and assets to help them and that this is still ongoing and I think we should wait further on what will happen next," Zagala added.