Move comes after Nur Misuari supports Arroyo and US soldiers' entry in south
Jailed Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari will be released soon, following his public declaration of support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and for the entry of American soldiers to his home territory in the south.
An aide to the former Muslim Autonomous Region governor yesterday said: 'He will be released sooner than you think.'
Misuari has been held in isolation in a heavily guarded detention centre outside Manila since 2002. He was charged with rebellion after allegedly ordering a failed uprising in the southern Philippines in November 2001, which left at least 59 dead and 85 wounded. Thousands were displaced in the fighting.
Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the administration was waiting for the court to resolve a motion for Misuari's release on medical and humanitarian grounds.
Misuari had a slight heart ailment and suffered from elevated blood pressure, he said.
Asked if they would try to block his release, he replied: 'No, we will welcome whatever the order of the court will be.'
