January 24, 2002, AFP, Detained Muslim leader Nur Misuari to be tried near Manila: Supreme Court,

January 24, 2002, AFP, Detained Muslim leader Nur Misuari to be tried near Manila: Supreme Court,

MANILA, Jan 24 (AFP) -

Philippine Muslim leader Nur Misuari, who is accused of inciting a short-lived but deadly rebellion in the south, will be tried in a town near a police prison south of Manila where he is being held, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The high court was acting on a recommendation by the justice department that bringing Misuari back to his southern island stronghold of Jolo could pose security risks, state television said citing a court resolution.

Misuari in November launched a fresh rebellion against Manila in a bid to prevent his ouster as governor of a Muslim self-rule area in the south.

His supporters from the former separatist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) then attacked military and police posts in Jolo, leaving more than 100 people dead on November 19.

A week later, MNLF forces led by a nephew took over a government complex in nearby Zamboanga city. They took dozens of civilians hostage, whom they later swapped for safe passage to an MNLF camp outside the city.

Misuari had fled to Malaysia across the common sea border, but was arrested and subsequently deported to face rebellion charges in Manila. If convicted, the former guerrilla leader faces 20 years in prison.