MNLF chairman Nur Misuari had called the peace agreement he signed with the government as “dead and had to be exhumed from the grave.” Misuari had said the peace pact was a “great mistake” that all Moro people, including the MILF, must learn from.
Dureza said that implementing the peace agreement might be a work of a lifetime as government expressed willingness to resume the stalled peace talk with MILF while trying to iron out problems with Malik’s group. MILF was a faction of MNLF.
“We’re going to have a meeting very soon with the MILF,” said Dureza, who refused to divulge details as when the Malaysia-brokered talks with MILF will start. The election, he added, “is a factor, one way or another. But we don’t want the election to get in the way.”
He said it’s up to the peace panel and Malaysia, who is brokering the talks, to give the details.
Misuari’ was ousted from the MNLF leadership in 2002 in what most people see as a political move to wrest control of the former Moro rebel group.
Finding himself back to where he started the Moro rebellion in the early 1970s, Misuari sought refuge in Malaysia but was later turned over to the Philippine government.
Malik, known for his loyalty to Misuari, had waged a “jihad” in Sulu after what he called as government’s violation of the ceasefire agreement when the government launched an attack against one of the MNLF camps there. (Germelina Lacorte/davaotoday.com)
Peace Process
