MANILA: The Philippine National Police is validating rumours that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari has fled to the Middle East.
Chief Director General Alan Purisima told reporters on the sidelines of wreath-laying rites for five slain policemen during the Zamboanga City stand-off at Camp Crame, Quezon City, that Misuari is somewhere in the Middle East. He said hunt for Misuari and his top commander, Habier Malik, continues.
He said authorities are taking DNA samples from the bodies of MNLF fighters killed during the stand-off. The military earlier announced that an identification card of Malik was found on one of the bodies recovered in the areas infiltrated by MNLF fighters during the 20-day stand-off.
Purisima said the government has yet to announce a bounty for the capture of Misuari or Malik.
The Philippine star
