No Surrender for Misuari, Malik, Says MNLF Spokesman

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari will not surrender after warrants has been issued for his arrest.

In an interview, MNLF-Misuari faction spokesperson Reverend Absalom Cerveza said it is not in Misuari’s attitude to surrender. “I don’t think he (Misuari) is going to surrender because ang mga rebolusyonaryo po ay hindi nila ugali ‘yung mag-aklas pagkatapos [ay] mag-surrender.”

“Malimit po tatapusin nila ‘yung kanilang balak,” Cerveza added.

Arrest warrants were issued against Misuari, Malik and two others by a local court in Zamboanga City for placing the city under siege for almost a month, causing the death of over 200 people – civilians, soldiers and rebels, Gma news online reported.

The online news reported Cerveza saying “the effects of the crisis were “unfortunate” but pointed the MNLF had a valid cause aligned with valid reasons.” The spokesman also confirmed that Misuari, whom he last talked with on Tuesday, was still in an undisclosed place in the Philippines.

Report said Misuari told Cerveza over the phone, “Wala akong magawa kung ano ang gustong gawin ng gobyerno. Gagawin ko rin kung ano ‘yung kaya kong gawin.”

When asked if Misuari is willing to have his case heard in Manila for security reasons, Cerveza said there wasn’t much they could do and that ultimately it’s the court that will decide their fate, Gma news online reported.

“’Pag nahuli ka, wala kang magagawa kung saan ka man lilitisin… Bahala na ‘yung mga abogado,” he said adding, “Wherever… kung mahuli.”

Gma news online said Cerveza confirmed that MNLF ground commander, Habier Malik was still alive. Malik, the elusive commander of MNLF Misuari faction, was believed to be the leader in the failed attempt to attack Zamboanga City on September 9.

Cerveza said “Yes, he’s much alive,” he said, adding that his latest talk with Malik was four days ago. Cerveza added “Malik already escaped government forces in Zamboanga City.”

“Wala na… He’s in some place na hindi natin puwede sabihin,” he said.

Reports said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin announced the crisis officially over on Sept. 28, but clearing operations have continued to root out MNLF rebels still holed up in the city.

The hostilities between government forces and the MNLF lasted for three weeks and claimed over 200 lives, Gma news online report said.

Source: Gma news online