BY MARTIN SADONGDONG
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Thursday night the turnover to security forces of notorius Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Anduljihad “Idang” Susukan from the care of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari in Maa, Davao City.
PNP chief General Archie Gamboa said Misuari facilitated the negotiation for the surrender of Susukan, who is facing 34 warrants of arrest, to Davao City Police chief Colonel Kirby John Kraft at the house of the MNLF chairman at the Yñigue Subdivision.
“The PNP immediately advised (Davao City) Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, who assured us of her full cooperation and assistance, to ensure the peaceful handover and orderly transfer of (Susukan’s) custody to proper authorities,” Gamboa said.
Gamboa said Susukan was served with warrants of arrest for 23 cases of murder, five cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six cases of frustrated murder after the turnover.
Susukan is also wanted in Malaysia for cross-border kidnappings in Sabah.
According to reports, Susukan yielded to Misuari in April this year to have his left arm be replaced with prosthetics after it was damaged in a gunfight with the military in 2019.
They reportedly went to Davao City on Tuesday for Susukan’s medical treatment before he is presented to President Duterte “in a few days.”
Misuari, who is wanted too for the crimes of rebellion over the Zamboanga City siege, was given temporary freedom when he became a part of a coordinating committee between the MNLF and the Philippine government established by Duterte in 2019.
Susukan’s surrender to Misuari allegedly gave him the “freedom” to move around the MNLF base in Jolo, Sulu which alarmed security forces.
But Susukan’s surrender does not constitute an amnesty even if he remained protected in the MNLF’s base, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
“His giving himself up to Mr. Misuari is not the surrender contemplated under the law and does not make him immune from arrest,” said AFP spokesperson, Major General Edgard Arevalo.
Susukan was scheduled to undergo a medical checkup at Camp Quintin Merecido Hospital in Davao City. He would then be transferred to AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
