Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6) — The Sandiganbayan has issued a warrant of arrest for former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor and rebel leader Nur Misuari for graft and malversation through falsification charges.
The third division of the anti-graft court issued the warrant last August 31, clerk of court Dennis Pulma on Wednesday confirmed to CNN Philippines. He said the warrant is “already delivered for its service on accused Misuari.”
Misuari was last seen at the Malacañang Palace last August 3 during a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Ombudsman in September 2016 charged Misuari and former local officials with graft and malversation, saying they colluded with one another for the anomalous purchase of ₱137.5 million worth of textbooks and educational materials in 2000, when Misuari was ARMM governor.
Misuari’s co-accused 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.
In the August 31 resolution, the Sandiganbayan rejected the motions filed by Misuari’s co-accused that sought a dismissal of the cases for lack of probable cause.
“All the elements of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (R.A. No. 3019) and malversation through falsification were sufficiently alleged in the Information in the present cases,” the anti-graft court said.
It added that “as a general rule, the Court does not interfere with the Ombudsman’s determination of the existence of probable cause, the only exception being, when there is grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Ombudsman.”
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Misuari is also facing rebellion charges in connection with the bloody Zamboanga siege in 2013 where 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 Duterte in Malacañang that day.
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.
This is a developing story. Please refresh page for updates.
