275 MNLF rebels to be transferred to Bicutan jail

ZAMBOANGA CITY - At least 275 suspected members of the Moro National Liberation Front's (MNLF) Misuari-faction will be transferred to the Bicutan Jail in Taguig City,  according to a jail official on Thursday.

City Jail Warden Chief Inspector Julius Arro said they have already received the Supreme Court resolution, ordering the transfer of the suspected MNLF members involved in the 22-day standoff with the military last month in Zamboanga City.

“We have received the Supreme Court resolution for the change of venue of the trial of the suspected MNLF detainees,” Arro said.

Arro said the transfer would be "ASAP," but declined to disclose a specific date.

The jail official also declined to reveal the manner of transportation of the detained MNLF rebels.

Arro, however, assured that security would be tight to preempt any attempt to sabotage the transfer of the detainees.

The city prosecutor's office has so far filed rebellion charges against 299 MNLF rebels, including the group's founding chairman, Nur Misuari and commander Habier Malik.

The rebels have also been charged with violation of the Republic Act 9851 known as the Philippine act against humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity.

Of the 299 rebels charged, a total of 12 people, including Misuari and Malik, remained at large.