FORMER Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has asked a Makati court judge to allow him to travel to three different Islamic countries as he is expected to meet different Muslim leaders and discuss ways of helping resolve armed conflicts in Mindanao.
Misuari said in his appeal filed before Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 59 Judge Winlove Dumayas that he is scheduled to leave for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Kempala Nairobi, and the United Arab Emirates "in line with his commitment to the cause of peace in Southern Philippines and its sustainable development."
"Wherefore, it is respectfully prayed that former Armm (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) governor and MNLF leader Nur Misuari be allowed by the honorable court to travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia thence to Kempala and Nairobi in Kenya, thence United Arab Emirates," the motion said.
Misuari is set to fly first to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on June 15, and will be back in the country at the end of this month.
Arthur Lim, lawyer for Misuari, assured the former Armm governor's compliance with the conditions set by the court as well as their immediate return after his 15-day visit on the said countries.
"And in that connection, 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 to the countries aforementioned, and of reporting to the honorable court his whereabouts before, during and after the conclusion of his travel," he said.
Lim likewise reassured the court that his client will not engage in any partisan political activity or any kind of activity for the matter, whether by word or by deed, that may tend to bring discredit to the Philippine government.
Misuari is facing rebellion charges in connection with an uprising by his followers in Jolo, Sulu in November 2001, which left several hundred combatants on both sides and civilians dead.
After the uprising was crushed, Misuari with seven other supporters tried to flee to the Middle East but Malaysian authorities arrested them when they landed in Sabah and later deported to the country.
He later ran for governor in his home province of Sulu during the last May 14 mid-term election, but he was defeated by Abdusakur Tan, placing only third in the final tally.
Misuari has been under house arrest in New Manila, Quezon City for more than a year after complaining of several ailments while being detained at the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) training facility at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Last month, Dumayas has allowed Misuari to post bail of P50,000 for his temporary release after the court found merit in his motion for reconsideration of the court's December 18, 2007 ruling which allowed only his co-accused in a rebellion case to post bail. (AH/Sunnex)
