Military bares more details on Malik's death

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Tuesday revealed new details about the death of Ustadz Habier Malik, the leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces who figured in the Zamboanga crisis last September.

Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, chief of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said Malik had died of bullet wounds and complication because he did not receive medical attention.

He said the MNLF commander passed away in Sulu last October.

“He (Malik) was badly wounded,” Cenabre told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

“Medically speaking, that’s the problem because he did not undergo proper treatment,” he added.

Cenabre said Malik was last seen alive in Kalinggalang Kaluwang in Sulu. Field units are continuously gathering information about Malik’s death and his burial place.

Reports about the supposed death of Malik surfaced as early as the last week of September. on Monday,  a military official confirmed the MNLF commander’s demise.

Photos supposedly showing Malik’s corpse had surfaced on the Internet days before the end of the Zamboanga crisis but these proved to be a hoax.

Last November, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Malik was “obviously” dead, noting that he has not surfaced since the end of the clashes.

The 20-day crisis started last Sept. 9 after followers of MNLF founder Nur Misuari tried to hoist their flag at the city hall.

The move came weeks after Misuari declared independence from the Philippines in Talipao, Sulu and declared himself as head of what he called the “Bangsamoro Republik.”

A series of clashes between government forces and members of the MNLF Misuari faction ensued, leaving more than 200 persons dead.

Authorities have filed rebellion charges against Misuari and 83 of his followers in connection with the Zamboanga crisis. They were accused of violating human rights under Republic Act 9851 or crimes against International Humanitarian Law.

Misuari, however, continues to evade the security forces.