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Friday, October 24, 2008
Misuari ‘plots’ takeover of Davao mining firm
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY –- Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chieftain Nur Misuari is allegedly bringing Abu Sayyaf bandits and MNLF rebels to Davao Oriental, a military intelligence official based in Camp Aguinaldo said.
Misuari in a separate interview said the report is baseless and preposterous.
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The military official was also quick to add that they are not certain of Misuari’s plan as of this time.
However, reports reaching Sun.Star Davao showed though that Misuari is plotting a takeover at the Dabawenyo Mineral Corporation (DMC) owned by a Moro businessman who used to be one of his field commanders in the MNLF.
DMC is owned by Said Sayre, Misuari's nephew.
When asked to confirm the takeover plot of Misuari on his company, Sayre kept silent saying he does not want to have a fight with his former superior and uncle.
Misuari allegedly demanded a 50 percent share from Sayre’s company during a meeting in Davao City several weeks ago. The MNLF chief reportedly claimed part ownership of the DMC despite the fact that he had no contribution to the company.
Misuari’s reported participation in the mining firm was when he was requested to officiate the awarding of the certificate of ancestral domain in behalf of the President or the environment secretary for their mining area in Davao Oriental.
In an interview in Davao City Wednesday, Misuari clarified he has no stake in DMC and he does not want to get involved in its affairs.
The Dabawenyo Minerals Corporation is operating in the boundaries of Mati City and Lupon. It has attracted several foreign investors in its diverse mining operations.
"Ang brother ko ang may shares dyan (It’s my brother who maintains a share in the firm). I don't want to be dragged in that issue because I want to protect my stature," Misuari said.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Misuari's legal counsel Randolph Parcasio said the "wild libelous rumor" could have come from Misuari's detractors.
Parcasio admitted though that some stakeholders of the mining company are seeking Misuari’s help to resolve the conflict regarding the intra-corporate controversy surrounding the firm.
Reports showed that some people have allegedly started collecting money from Muslim communities in Davao Oriental with a promise that they will be given work and share of the DMC once Misuari takes over.
The armed groups from Sulu are also said to be part of Misuari's plan to make a forcible takeover of the DMC operation if needed.
The intelligence official said if this happens there will surely be bloodshed in Davao Oriental. He said this is because Sayre would never allow Misuari to takeover without putting up a fight.
The military official said Sayre has the backing of several Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Muslim leaders in Davao Oriental.
Records of the Regional Trial Court in Davao City showed that a 20-day temporary restraining order was issued against Sayre based on the civil suit filed by DMC's vice chair Habib Mahalail Hassan and by two other corporate officials namely Rex Angelo, corporate secretary and its director for operation Hadji Nou Daiman.
Parcasio said the persons involved are members of the MNLF thus some concerned members of the group are seeking Misuari's intervention to facilitate amicable settlement between the conflicting members of the DMC.
"Misuari said that the baseless wild rumors that he brought some Abu Sayaff members to take over DMC are malicious and totally preposterous.
It is well known that Misuari is against the Abu Sayaff. In the past he had ordered MNLF fighters not to have anything to do with the Abu Sayyaf.
Misuari added that it is a standing policy of the MNLF under his leadership to stop and prevent the Abu Sayyaf from inflicting the people, with their nefarious, inhuman and unlawful activities," Parcasio said in a statement.
Misuari had long promised his supporters in Davao Oriental that he would pay them a visit but failed due to his tight schedule.
"Kaya it's time that I visit them and make good of my promise," Misuari said Wednesday.
An official of the City Government of Mati revealed that Misuari's Friday visit would be his third in a span of four months. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (October 24, 2008 issue)
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