Sandiganbayan third division orders arrest of MNLF chair Misuari, others over educational materials’ deal

(Eagle News) — The Sandiganbayan has issued a warrant for the arrest of founding Moro National Liberation Front chair Nur Misuari.

The warrant is in connection with the malversation and graft cases he faces over the allegedly anomalous procurement of P115.2 million worth of educational materials in 2001 and 2002, when he was governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In its 18-page resolution, the Third Division also ordered the arrest of Misuari’s co-accused  Leovigilda Cinches, Pangalian Maniri, Sittie Aisa Usman, Alladin Usi, Nader Macagaan, and Cristeta Ramirez.

Earlier, the Ombudsman filed three counts of malversation of public funds through falsification and three counts of graft against Misuari and his co-accused.

The prosecutors accused them of misappropriating funds of the Department of Education-ARMM by making it appear that a procurement of educational materials had been made.

The prosecutors said this was done by falsifying a requisition and issuance of a voucher, purchase order, sales invoice, disbursement voucher, among others.

Prosecutors said the items were never delivered.