Chairman Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front on Thursday accused Malaysia of using Moros for kidnap-for-ransom operations and perpetrating the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings attributed by Philippine authorities to the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“And apart from that, our source is saying that since Malaysia is the one who is involved in this kidnapping for ransom, probably, one day, I will drag their leaders into that International Criminal Court,” said Misuari, whose arrest warrant was suspended by the court to clear the way for his visit to Malacañang as presidential guest.
“I have all the evidence in my hands. My people are every where and besides, they cannot escape because they are hiring my own people,” he added.
In 2000, the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the worst terror attacks in the Philippines, embarked on a kidnapping spree and victimized 21 individuals including 10 Malaysians, nine Europeans, and two Filipinos. The hostages were brought to Sulu, where they stayed for five months until ransom was paid.
The Sipadan incident placed the Abu Sayyaf in the international spotlight.
The Abu Sayyaf is also notorious for beheading hostages who are unable to pay ransom. The Philippine military has dismissed the Abu Sayyaf Group as a kidnap-for-ransom group that is devoid of the idealogies of its founders.
Misuari said the Malaysians also tried to meet him in Saudi Arabia and in another instance in Indonesia through his nephew.
Misuari said: “Even Sipadan, they hired my cadre officers, because they opt for the millions and then they have the balls to ask one of my nephews here, we want to see the chairman.”
“I said, ‘Stop it, I don’t have the heart to see these people after they make this conspiracy to destroy the honor and integrity of my people,’” he said.