No compromise with Misuari – Palace

MANILA, Philippines – The government said it will not compromise with Nur Misuari, who is suspected of ordering Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members to seize villages in Zamboanga City on September 9. 

“We have done everything to accommodate (Misuari)…but he did not agree (to anything),” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Wednesday, September 25. “Nur Misuari has no other concern but himself… This is the attitude of Nur Misuari towards himself, towards his people, towards his MNLF which he has deceived,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said some of the MNLF members arrested during the standoff told interrogators they were promised arms and money in exchange for attending a “peace rally” in Zamboanga City.

The standoff, which has displaced at least 100,000 residents and killed more than 100,  entered its second week last Monday, September 23. 

Misuari, founding chairman of the MNLF, has accused the Aquino government of ignoring pending commitments to the MNLF, which signed a peace agreement with the Ramos government in 1996.

He was also charged with rebellion under the Arroyo administration, but the case against him was eventually dismissed by a local court.

Lacierda said Department of Justice prosecutors are now evaluating evidence against Misuari. 

READ: Rebellion charges readed vs Misuari 

“They will come up with an airtight case against those responsible. And, once they are prepared to file charges, they will do so,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda recalled that government officials were supposed to meet with the MNLF in Indonesia for the review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement but Misuari cancelled it.

Lacierda said that at the height of the Zamboanga standoff, Misuari never discussed the crisis with Indonesia.

“What Nur Misuari discussed with Indonesia was hotel accommodation…and who would guard him while in Indonesia,”  he said.

“It’s all about himself. That’s the position. (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) Secretary  (Teresita) Ging Deles did not neglect her duty. She, in fact, explained to the Filipino people what we have done to show that Nur Misuari was not neglected or abandoned,”  Lacierda said. – Rappler.com