"Nur Misuari is free once again."

This was what former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari said after posting bail and being granted temporary freedom Friday, just hours after the Makati Regional Trial Court has approved his petition for bail.

Misuari, who was under house arrest, was allowed bail by Judge Winluv Dimayas of the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 59.

A relative of the former governor immediately posted the court-ordered P50,000 bail for his provisional release.

Supporters of Misuari were elated over the news of his provisional liberty after five years of detention, and a thanksgiving gathering will be held upon his release.

After the grant of bail, Misuari's camp now believes that he will soon be acquitted from the case.

"The accusation has been fabricated and that it cannot stand on its own two feet... all allegations have been proven to be hearsay, and we salute the court for its wisdom," said Misuari.

"Crimes which are heinous - and rebellion falls in this classification - if the evidence is not strong then the petition for bail would come. This is precisely why the court granted MNLF [Moro National Liberation Fron]Chairman Misuari's petition for bail," said Misuari's lawyer, Salvador Panelo.

Aside from the former governor, his wife and three children, were with him during his years in house arrest.

"Imagine, almost seven years. Hindi na kailangang sabihin yun," said Hadja Tarhata, Misuari's wife.

Misuari was first held in custody at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, before he was placed under house arrest in 2006.

"Mental torture. Hindi mo maiiwasan yun, especially kung alam mo na you are not guilty," said Misuari.

Misuari and his family will first stay in the house were they spent the past several years under house arrest.

He plans to meet with Mindanao leaders and to hold a thanksgiving caravan for peace.

Misuari was detained after being charged with rebellion for the hostage siege in Zamboanga City in 2001. With a report from Maricar Bautista, ABS-CBN News