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Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Winlove Dumayas has granted the
request of former Moro National Liberation Front chairman and
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Nur Misuari to travel
abroad for two weeks to meet with Muslim leaders.
But Dumayas said Misuari must comply with two
conditions before he can leave the country. First, he should secure
sovereign guarantees from the countries of Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he is scheduled to travel. And
secondly, Misuari must pay an additional bail of P100,000, which he
can refund upon his return to the country on or before June 30.
The two conditions were imposed by the court to
ensure the return of Misuari, who is facing charges of rebellion
along with six of his followers including his spiritual adviser,
Abuharis Usman.
In his two-page petition filed last week,
Misuari said that he is scheduled to leave for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
Kempala Nairobi, and UAE “in line with his commitment to the cause
of peace in southern Philippines and its sustainable development.”
Lawyer Arthur Lim, counsel for Misuari’s,
assured his client’s compliance on the conditions set by the
court.
“He hereby reiterates the solemn guarantees of
not being a flight risk, of abiding at all times with the orders and
biddings of the honorable court, of immediately returning to the
country upon completion of his visits,” Lim said.
Misuari is facing rebellion charges over an
uprising by his followers in Jolo, Sulu, in November 2001, which
left several hundred combatants and civilians dead.
-- Jayson Cruz Luna
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