SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Addressing an estimated 7,000 members and supporters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who gathered in Davao City on Sunday, October 21, Nur Misuari declared that the Framework Agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a conspiracy between both sides that must be blocked.
Misuari, the MNLF chair who in the early 1970s founded the erstwhile secessionist MNLF, said the present talks between the Aquino administration and the MILF aim to emasculate the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement that were signed by the MNLF with the Philippine government. The Tripoli pact was signed with the Marcos government, while the 1996 peace agreement was with the Ramos government.
“This is an attempt to downgrade the peace treaties,” Misuari said.
The senior Moro leader added that the Framework Agreement is another “recipe for tragedy and war,” but did not elaborate.
He failed to say, for instance, that the Marcos government never fulfilled its commitment in the Tripoli pact, which was why the MNLF continued its armed struggle against the government.
The 1996 peace agreement, on the other hand, led to, among others, the control by the MNLF of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (of which Misuari was former governor) and the creation of the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development.
Yet, the ARMM under Misuari also faced charges of incompetence and corruption. After Misuari, another MNLF leader was elected ARMM governor, Parouk Hussin. However, the Ampatuan family made a comeback and gained control of ARMM during the latter part of the Arroyo government, effectively sidelining the MNLF.
Strengthening the region
With the signing of the Framework Agreement, the government and the MILF will pursue the Bangsamoro political entity that would dissolve ARMM and hopefully expand and strengthen it.
Both sides have said they would ask the MNLF to be a part of the Transition Commission that will help craft the law on the Bangsamoro region.
Salamudin Ibrahim, 58, who was at the Misuari rally, said that he joined the MNLF in 1973 to fight for their rights as a people.
Ibrahim said he shared Misuari’s sentiments, expressing fears that the Moro people might again be pitted against each other.
“This must not be allowed,” Ibrahim said. “If Misuari will tell us to fight, we will do it anytime and anywhere,” he added.
But Misuari clarified that even if armed struggle is an option, the MNLF is committed to peace.
“We have no other option but peace,” Misuari concluded.
The military has dismissed the MNLF as a spent force, saying that the security threat comes largely from so-called “lost commands” that are no longer controlled by Misuari. – Rappler.com
Read the full text of President Noynoy Aquino’s speech: Agreement paves way for enduring peace in Mindanao
Read the full text of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, Bangsamoro, that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
For related stories, read:
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.