The department of justice has formed a four-man panel to investigate and pin down arrested fugitive and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari on charges of rebellion when he arrives from Malaysia in mid-January.

The team, led by Chief State Prosecutor Jovencio Zuno, will be composed of Zamboanga City Chief Prosecutor Manuel Tatel, Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera and State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon.

"The team is expected to respect and not subject Misuari to indignities," said Justice Secretary Hernando Perez.

"We are more or less certain he will be deported from Malaysia on January 15," said Perez.

"We are ready. We have the panel and we have the manpower. I just want to review the evidence."

Adds Noralyn Mustafa in Jolo: Meanwhile, a municipal court in Jolo, Sulu, where the rebellion charges against Misuari were filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), issued a warrant of arrest for Misuari, a source said "No bail was recommended," said the same source.

The case was placed under the jurisdiction of the justice department, which was tasked with handling the initial investigation of Misuari's case.

Authorities said he was the mastermind in the attacks at army headquarters which resulted in the death of 113 people in Jolo, Sulu on November 19.

Misuari was also pinpointed as the mastermind in the attacks at the Air Force office which resulted in the hostage taking of 118 villagers in Zamboanga City on November 27.

"If there is enough evidence against Misuari, we will throw the book at him. We will prosecute him to the fullest extents," said Perez, adding: "That is why we want to see the evidence, from the Philippine National Police."

Authorities believe Misuari and Abu Sayyaf leaders forged a tactical alliance. Misuari denied the allegation.

At the same time, lawyer Ely Pamatong said he reiterated his request to Malaysian Prime Minister that Misuari should not be brought back to Manila.

Misuari has agreed to throw his lot on Mahathir, said Pamatong, adding: "If there is anyone who can save Misuari, it is Mahathir, who is influential. Not the United Nations, not the OIC (the Organisation of the Islamic Conference), not Malaysian courts."

"Misuari is a very strong leader and whatever he says goes. That is why I have been addressing my appeals to him," Pamatong said, adding: "I pray for mercy from the Malaysian government not to send a Muslim brother to his death."

Mahathir has been quoted as saying that Misuari will not be sent to a third country.