Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — The Sandiganbayan has issued hold departure orders against Nur Misuari and several co-accused in the allegedly anomalous purchase of ₱137.5-million worth of education materials when he was governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2000.
The order was issued by the anti-graft court’s Third Division on May 31 but was made public only on Tuesday. It was signed by presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, and associate justices Sarah Jane Fernandez and Bernelito Fernandez.
It ordered the Bureau of Immigration to prevent Misuari from leaving the country along with several former government officials and employees who are his co-accused. They include former Department of Education regional director Leovigilda Cinches, supply officer Sittie Aisa Usman, accountant Alladin Usi, chief accountant Pangalian Maniri, state auditor Nader Macagaan, and one supplier, Cristeta Ramirez.
The COA reported that then Governor Misuari approved paying five suppliers of textbooks and educational materials ₱137.5 million from 2000 to 2001. It said these transactions were irregular and made without public bidding.
The Ombudsman in September 2016 charged them with graft and malversation, saying Misuari and the DepEd and COA officials colluded with one another for the anomalous purchase.
Misuari ran unopposed as ARMM governor in 1996, shortly after he signed a peace agreement with then President Fidel Ramos. However, MNLF members have held on to their weapons. Misuari served as governor until 2001.
Misuari is also facing rebellion charges in connection with the bloody Zamboanga siege in 2013 wherein MNLF rebels attacked government forces and took about 300 hostages.
The Pasig Regional Trial Court on November 3, 2016 suspended the proceedings against Misuari and ordered the police and the Armed Forces to forego serving his arrest warrant for six months as he talks peace with the government. Misuari met with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang that day.
Read: Misuari meets Duterte after court suspends trial, arrest order
Misuari recently told Duterte the Moro rebels are willing to help the government fight terrorists amid the crisis in Marawi.
Also read: MNLF in Marawi on standby to fight against Maute
