Palace open to Misuari’s reax on framework agreement

MANILA, Philippines – Malacanang is not joining some political figures who are calling on Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to support the peace framework agreement.

Deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte instead said in a radio interview on Sunday, October 21, that the government peace panel is open to the opinion of Misuari on this matter.

The Framework Agreement will create a Bangsamoro entity in Mindanao, which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Misuari, a former ARMM governor, denounced the peace framework agreement, saying it will cause a “big war in Mindanao.” He even claimed that some MILF members bolted and joined the MNLF to protest the agreement.

He also theatened to sue the Philippine government for signing the framework agreement with the MILF.

“If I remember correctly, the peace panel—at least the government peace panel—has always been open to hearing the thoughts of Mr. Misuari and his particular statement on this matter,” Valte said.

Political figures such as former president Joseph Estrada called on Misuari to support the agreement. “If he really wants total peace in Mindanao, it’s about time for him to rest and give others a chance,” Estrada said.

“As to how he will take that particular statement from the former President is entirely up to him,” Valte said.

Aside from Estrada, Senator Francis Escudero and the Philippine Army also called on Misuari to cooperate with the peace panel. – Rappler.com