AFP chief: No let up in hunt vs Misuari

ZAMBOANGA City - Outgoing Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said Thursday that the military will continue its hunt against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari, who is wanted for the deadly siege of the city last year.

“May warrant of arrest si Nur Misuari at siya ay tutugisin ng pamahalaan,” Bautista said in his farewell visit here.

Some leaders of the MNLF are calling on the government to stop the manhunt against Misuari.

Misuari is charged with rebellion and violation of the international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity for masterminding the three-week Zamboanga City siege in September last year.

At least 200 peoplewere killed and thousands of residents were displaced when Misuari's followers, led by Habier Malik, occupied four villages near the city central district.

At least 300 of Misuari's men have been arrested and detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Metro Manila.

“As of now, Nur Misuari can no longer surface and he is in hiding. The truth is he is ineffective,” Bautista said.