A year after Zamboanga siege, Misuari still at large

MANILA, Philippines - A year after the military declared the end of the Zamboanga crisis, Nur Misuari, the alleged brains behind the attack, remains at large.

Security officials previously said that Misuari, the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), is still hiding in Sulu.

They said efforts to track down Misuari are continuous but until now, the rebel leader is still evading authorities.

“Right now, he (Misuari) is in hiding and eventually the law will catch up to him,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in an earlier interview.

The Zamboanga crisis started on Sept. 9, 2013 when followers of Misuari tried to hoist their flag at the city hall and held hostage several civilians.

A series of gun battles between the Misuari group and government forces ensued, resulting in the death of 105 rebels, 11 civilians, nine soldiers and five policemen.

Misuari and about 60 of his followers are facing rebellion charges over the attempted takeover. An arrest warrant was issued against Misuari last October.

Last month, the MNLF claimed that Misuari had reappeared in Sulu and led flag-raising ceremonies to commemorate the independence of what he called as the Federated States of Bangsamoro Republik.

Misuari was said to be in full battle gear as he called on his followers to continue their struggle for self-determination. The military has not confirmed this even as it dared the rebel leader to face the charges against him.

The military, nevertheless, vowed to resist those who seek to endanger public security.

“The victory of Zamboanga will always remind us of the heroism and sacrifices of our soldiers. They risked their lives to defend the city and save innocent civilians from lawless elements selfishly trying to grab power,” Zagala said in a statement on Monday.

“Rest assured the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will continue to guard against those who attempt to destroy or harm our way of life. Be it Zamboanga or anywhere else,” he added.