The Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed rebellion charges before the Regional Trial Court in Zamboanga City against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairperson Nur Misuari and 60 others in connection with the Zamboanga City siege last month which left 12 civilians dead and 75 others injured.

Nur Misuari leader of MNLFChina’s Xinhua news agency reported that aside from rebellion charges, the DOJ also filed a separate complaint against Misuari (right) and his followers for violation of the provisions of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes against Humanity.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the National Prosecution Service has already filed a motion with the Philippines’ Supreme Court, seeking the transfer of the trial of the respondents from Zamboanga City to anywhere within the National Capital Region (NCR) .

De Lima added that they will also move for the transfer of the 57 respondents, who are not in the custody of the Zamboanga government, to the Philippine National Police’s detention facility in Taguig City, Metro Manila.

Misuari, and his commanders Ustaz Habier Malik, Assamin Hussin and Bas Arki have remained at large.

About 200 armed MNLF members went to Zamboanga City allegedly to campaign for independence on Sept 9. But the government troops chanced upon them, resulting in deadly skirmishes for three weeks.  

- Bernama