 The Philippine government yesterday rejected an appeal by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to release a jailed Muslim leader to help boost peace efforts in the southern region of Mindanao. Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye stressed that only the courts could decide on the release of Nur Misuari, leader of the former separatist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). "This is exclusively within the sole prerogative and wisdom of the court trying his case," he said. "On the part of the executive branch, it has extended all the medical assistance and humanitarian treatment to Misuari that is possible under the law, also in deference to the OIC. The rest is left to the independent judgment of the court," he said.
| The last time he was out of jug, he decided to shoot up half of Midanao. Personally, I make it a point not to trust anybody with a brassiere cup on his head. I always wonder why he needs it. |
An OIC contingent visiting Mindanao to check on implementation of the MNLF-Philippine peace accord on Saturday called on Arroyo to free Misuari, saying such a move would be a "catalyst" for lasting peace in the south. |