Misuari believed to have fled to Malaysia: RP general
Misuari believed to have fled to Malaysia: RP general
Agence France-Presse, Zamboanga, Philippine
Moro leader Nur Misuari has reportedly fled to Malaysia and is trying to reach Saudi Arabia after leading a bloody revolt in the southern Philippines, the Filipino military chief said on Thursday.
"We received reports from our intelligence operatives that Nur Misuari fled to Sabah, Malaysia, going to the Middle East," Chief of Staff General Diomedio Villanueva told reporters after briefing the envoys of Islamic countries on the latest flare up in the south.
"It's still subject to verification," he added.
But the Malaysian military denied Misuari was in its eastern state and a spokesman said air force, navy and police patrols had been increased.
Philippine Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who is also foreign secretary, hurriedly left for Malaysia aboard a chartered jet early on Thursday on an unscheduled visit.
Malaysia provided Misuari and his guerrillas with sanctuary when they were fighting the Philippine government in the 1970s but they have urged him to end the current rebellion.
Misuari, 60, was charged with rebellion and faces a 20-year jail term if convicted.
"The recommendation of the judge in the case is that no bail shall be given to Governor Nur Misuari," Interior Secretary Jose Lina said.
As thousands of soldiers continued a manhunt for the former separatist guerrilla leader, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo moved to reassure the world that the rebellion is a localized problem.
Meanwhile, President Arroyo canceled her planned visit on Friday to the troubled southern region, including Zamboanga city, after advisers urged her to call it off for security reasons, officials said.
Southern Philippines military chief Lieutenant General Roy Cimatu cautioned that reports of Misuari's flight might be a ploy to divert the attention of forces hunting for him on southern Jolo island, where more than 100 people have died since the rebellion began there on Monday.
"Our operations in (Jolo) will continue. We're hitting their camps on the assumption that Misuari could still be there," Cimatu added.
"At least six camps have already been taken over" in the municipalities of Patikul, Parang and Indanan in the interior of the island, Cimatu told reporters.