DOJ creates prosecution team for MNLF trial

MANILA, Philippines – The justice department has designated a team of prosecutors that will handle the rebellion and human rights violation charges against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari, his commander Habier Malik, and 59 others in connection with the Zamboanga siege. 

On October 25, the Department of Justice issued Department Order No. 799 appointing senior deputy state prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon to lead the team. He will be joined by regional state prosecutor Peter Medalle, assistant state prosecutors Aristotle Reyes and Niven Canlapan, and prosecution attorney Cesar Angelo Chavez III. 

Fadullon previously led the prosecution team of the Maguindanao massacre but resigned as a sign of protest against De Lima’s decision to replace half of the panel members over their alleged lack of “zeal, aggresiveness and dynamism” in handling the case. 

The Supreme Court earlier granted the justice department’s plea to transfer the trial venue of the MNLF from Zamboanga to Taguig for security reasons. 

To fast-track the process, DOJ has asked the Zamboanga regional trial court to transmit all necessary records on the rebellion and humanitarian rights violation charges against the MNLF members, De Lima said Tuesday, October 29.  

DOJ also wants the MNLF members presently detained in Zamboanga City to be moved to the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. De Lima earlier said the justice department is also set to file a motion to transfer the arrested men to Taguig.

Misuari, Malik and 59 others are facing rebellion charges and cases of violation of international humanitarian law over their involvement in the 3-week Zamboanga standoff. (READ: Zambo crisis: The fog of war) 

Arrest warrants have been issued against Misuari and his commanders Malik, Assamin Hussin and Bas Arki, but they remain at large. – with a report from Angela Casauay/Rappler.com