Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chair Nur Misuari at the Malacañang Palace on Nov. 3, 2016. Karl Norman Alonzo, Malacanang Photo/File 

MANILA – The Sandiganbayan on Friday convicted Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari of graft but acquitted him for malversation of public funds. 

The case stemmed from the alleged anomalous procurement of around P77 million worth of educational materials when Misuari was still governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2000 and 2001. 

Misuari and six others allegedly falsified public documents such as requisition and issue voucher, purchase order, and sales invoice for the transaction.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division chaired by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang found Misuari guilty of two counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Each count of graft is equivalent to six years and one month to eight years of imprisonment.

But the same court acquitted Misuari and his co-accused for malversation through falsification, "due to the prosecution's failure to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt."

The 85-year old Misuari attended the court promulgation virtually. 

Misuari’s co-accused in the case include Leovigilda Cinches, Pangalian Maniri, Sittie Aisa Usman, Alladin Usi, Nader Macagaan, and Cristeta Ramirez

They were present along with their lawyers except for Cinches who, through her lawyer, appealed that she be given the ruling "in absentia" due to poor health. 

The court allowed them to post bail pending the final resolution of the case. It also ruled that the P30,000 bond for each count of graft be doubled.

In an interview, Misuari’s lawyer Ma. Victoria Lim-Florido said they would appeal the conviction. 

She said they were "very thankful" that the court appreciated all their presented evidence to prove Misuari's innocence on the malversation of public funds case.

The acquittal on the malversation of funds case she said was more important, given that it is the root cause of the graft charges against Misuari.