Sandigan orders Misuari’s arrest

MANILA, Philippines — Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari has been ordered arrested in connection with the graft charges he is facing before the Sandiganbayan.

The third division of the anti-graft court ordered the issuance of four warrants of arrest as it denied the motions to dismiss the cases.

Also ordered arrested were Leovigilda Cinches, former Department of Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director; chief accountant Pangalian Maniri, supply officer Sittie Aisa Usman, accountant Alladin Usi, Commission on Audit-ARMM resident auditor Nader Macagaan, Cristeta Ramirez of CPR Publishing and Lolita Sambeli of White Orchids Printing and Publishing House.

In a decision dated Aug. 31 and released yesterday, the Sandiganbayan said there are sufficient grounds to proceed with the trial of the case and the issuance of arrest warrants. 

The anti-graft court also dismissed the claims of the respondents that there was inordinate delay in the investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, saying it took only two years to finish the preliminary investigation.

Misuari was indicted last May for two counts each of graft and malversation of public funds for alleged irregularities in the purchase of educational materials and kits for public schools in 2000 and 2001 amounting to P115.2 million.

Investigation showed that none of the supposed materials were delivered. The respondents allegedly falsified disbursement vouchers, purchase orders, canvass reports, sales invoices, delivery receipts and other supporting documents to make it appear that the transactions were aboveboard. 

Misuari will abide by the Sandiganbayan ruling, Habib Mujahab Hashim, MNLF chairman of the Islamic Command Council, said yesterday.

Hashim said Misuari had consulted his lawyers and is expected to post bail. 

“We believe…Nur will take the due course of the law and abide by the process,” Hashim said. – With Roel Pareño, Christina Mendez