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Jun 20 2008

DOJ: Misuari Told Us Laring-Laring Is Isnaji’s Alias

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , ABS-CBN, DOJ, Justice Secy. Raul Gonzales, Kidnapping, MNLF, Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, Nur Misuari

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said it was former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) chief Nur Misuari who provided investigators one of the missing pieces that linked Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji in the Sulu abduction.

Radio dzBB's Teresa Tavares reported that according to Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez, Misuari told authorities that the mastermind of the abduction who was referred to by locals as "Laring-Laring" is actually an alias used by Isnaji.

Gonzalez said investigators stumbled on the name Laring-Laring after debriefing the hostages shortly after their release.

The hostages recalled the kidnappers mentioning the name Laring-Laring when they were talking about how to divide the ransom money.

But the investigators were stumped on who Laring-Laring was, until Misuari told them it was actually Isnaji. Isnaji is affiliated with Misuari's Moro National Liberation Front. - GMANews.TV

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May 27 2008

Malaysia Furious Over Renewed RP Claims On Sabah

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , Datuk Yong Teck Lee, Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, MNLF, Mayor Muslimin Sema, Nur Misuari, Sabah

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 27, 2008) – A senior Malaysian politician furious over a renewed Philippine claims on Sabah have called for a stricter laws on Filipinos traveling to the oil-rich state.

Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the National Security Council should closely watch developments in the southern Philippines with the collapse of the Moro peace deal and release of former rebel leader Nur Misuari, the Malaysian’s Star reported.

Lee said the withdrawal last month of the Malaysian truce observers from Mindanao was a clear indication of the failure of the peace process involving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“Further worries included the rumblings from freed rebel Nur Misuari over the Philippines’ claim to Sabah and the re-grouping of the Moro National Liberation Front,” the Star said.

Misuari, who was ousted as MNLF chairman by Muslimin Sema, the Front’s Secretary General, wanted the International Court of Justice to settle the Philippine claims on Sabah if Malaysia fails to resolve the issue.

Lee said the NSC and the Sabah State Security Committee should act on the problems brought about by the failure of the peace process and Misuari’s revival of the Sabah claims.

“All these warrant the immediate attention of the National Security Council in Putrajaya and the Sabah State Security Committee,” he said.

He also urged Kuala Lumpur to suspend the ferry service between Zamboanga and Sandakan. “Malaysia can also suspend the Zamboanga-Sandakan ferry service, impose bonds on incoming visitors, require ferry passengers to have return tickets and step up enforcement at all levels of government,” he said.

The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo lays claim to Sabah. The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of Second World War. Even after Borneo became part of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur still pays an annual rent of 5,000 ringgit to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Ismail Kiram.

Misuari said what Malaysia pays to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo is but a pittance.

The MNLF, under Misuari, signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending more than three decades of bloody fighting in the southern Philippines, and accepted a limited autonomy over four Muslim provinces – Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao that were later expanded into 5 provinces with Maguindanao as an addition and now has become six with the inclusion of Shariff Kabunsuan.

Misuari later became governor or the Muslim autonomous region, but later accused the government of failing to honor the peace agreement, and his forces attacked major military bases and held civilians hostage in Sulu province and Zamboanga City in November 2001.

He fled to Sabah, his former refuge, but was arrested by Malaysian authorities and sent back to Manila where he is now facing rebellion charges and currently out on bail.

Sema said the issue on Sabah has been a long irritant between the Philippines and Malaysia and he appealed to Misuari not to use this to stir restlessness among local Muslims in Mindanao.

“This has been a very old issue and we don’t want to strain our good relations with Malaysia at the expense of everybody. The Philippines has in the past approached this old issue with diplomacy and respect to maintain good bilateral relations with Malaysia and we wanted this to continue,” Sema told the Mindanao Examiner. (Mindanao Examiner)

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May 12 2008

MNLF Holds Peace Summit In Southern RP

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , ARMM, Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, MNLF, Muslimen Sema, Nur Misuari

Nur Misuari, left, and Muslimin Sema, both claiming to be the chieftain of the Moro National Liberation Front. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 12, 2008) – Some 300 former Moro National Liberation Front rebels gathered Monday in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines to campaign for peace.

“We are here gathered to unify our people and to work for everlasting peace in Mindanao,” said Muslimin Sema, the new leader of the MNLF, once the largest Muslim rebel group fighting for independence in the southern Philippines.

The MNLF Central Committee named Sema, the group's Secretary General, as its new chairman, replacing Nur Misuari. But Misuari did not recognize Sema as the legitimate ruler of the MNLF.

It was the second time in nearly a decade that Misuari, who founded the MNLF, was removed by his own commanders. Sema is a member of the so-called MNLF Council of 15, which first ousted Misuari. The Council of 15 accused Misuari of being incompetent as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region.

And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Sulu province in an effort to stop the elections.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines.

Sema's group previously appointed Misuari as chairman emeritus, but rejected the position. The Council of 15 accused Misuari of being incompetent as governor of the Muslim autonomous region.

The three-day summit, Sema said, is also aimed at strengthening the MNLF and to review the provisions of the peace agreement.

He said a new MNLF charter is expected to be approved by the MNLF Central Committee at the end of the summit. Sema said a “twelve-point policy of direction” of the MNLF will be presented during the conference.

Sema said they would also propose to President Gloria Arroyo to appoint a member of the MNLF as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao instead of holding elections every three years.

He also insisted that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was created as part of a peace deal the MNLF with Manila. And under its provisions, an MNLF member must sit as governor of the six-province autonomous region.

“Admittedly the existence of the ARMM is the product attributed to the Bangsamoro people's struggle for self-determination in a way to address the age-long political conflict. Undoubtedly, therefore, the MNLF is the legitimate claimant to ARMM to speak of its role in governance,” Sema said.

He said the MNLF has endorsed Alvarez Isnaji, the mayor of Indanan town in Sulu province, to be the governor of the autonomous region.

“In order to get rid of election related violence, excessive spending and corruption, the MNLF is seeking preferably the prerogative of the President to appoint MNLF candidate to be the ARMM governor. Anyhow, the President plays a vital role insofar as ARMM governorship is concerned," Sema said.

Zaldy Ampatuan, a former town mayor in Maguindanao province, is the current governor of the Muslim autonomous region after he won the polls against Parouk Hussin, a senior MNLF leader.

Ampatuan, as governor of the Muslim autonomous region, introduced reforms and fought corruption in government. He also prioritized development projects in areas where there are MNLF communities in support to the peace agreement.

Sema said the MNLF has been eased out from the mainstream of governance in the ARMM. “This situation is an obstacle to the peace agreement. In as much as the MNLF is still aspiring for active participation in all levels of governance appropriate both in regional and national political mainstreams, power sharing in governance to involve the MNLF principally should be taken as a measure to erase the obstacle,” he said.

Although Sema is pushing for an MNLF leadership in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, he also praised Ampatuan because of his many accomplishments in the Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao, Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Apr 28 2008

Special Report: Nur Misuari, Muslimin Sema And The Future Of The MNLF

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , ARMM, Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, MNLF, Mayor Muslimin Sema, Nur Misuari, OIC

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 28, 2008) – Freed former Moro National Liberation Front chieftain Nur Misuari will begin touring Muslim communities in the Philippines to campaign for peace.

His followers in Sulu province said they will prepare a big welcome party for Misuari, who is accused of rebellion after his forces attacked a major military base in Jolo town in 2001 in an effort to stop the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to which he was governor.

“We are waiting for our one and only leader and we will give him a big welcome in Sulu,” Abdul Sahalul, one of Misuari’s loyal followers in Sulu, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Misuari’s other leaders here, among them Ustadz Habier Malik, are still in hiding after they clashed with security forces last year and held hostage a group of military officers in a failed effort to pressure Manila to free Misuari.

Misuari was granted a P50,000 bail by a court last week after spending more than five years under house arrest in Manila. He said he would not run for governor again in the autonomous region, whose system he branded as “dirty” and ran by Malacañang.

“I don’t want to be part of a system which is dirty,” said Misuari, who also ran as governor in Sulu province twice and but lost.

Misuari maintained the ARMM was created as part of a peace deal the MNLF with Manila in September 1996.

Zaldy Ampatuan, a former town mayor in Maguindanao province, is the current governor of the Muslim autonomous region after he won the polls against Parouk Hussin.

Hussin, a senior MNLF leader, was one of those that made up the so-called Council of 15 that deposed Misuari as chairman of the organization that was once the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines.

Ampatuan, as governor of the Muslim autonomous region, has introduced reforms and fought corruption in government. He also prioritized development projects in areas where there are MNLF communities in support to the peace agreement.

Just this month, the MNLF Central Committee named Muslimin Sema, the group’s Secretary General, as its new chairman, But Misuari did not recognize Sema as the legitimate ruler of the MNLF.

Misuari has been criticized for his tough stance and his refusal to abide by the MNLF decision that catapulted Sema into power. Sema, who originally belonged to the Council of 15, said Misuari should stop bickering and work for peace and unity in the southern Philippines.

“We should to put things in their order and work for lasting peace in the country. This is our direction now and we will make ourselves available to the government to achieve peace and unity and bring development to our people,” Sema said in a separate interview.

Sema also praised the current governor of the autonomous region because of his many accomplishments in the six provinces that comprise the ARMM – Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao, Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan.

“Through these accomplishments, we can see his many achievements in the ARMM,” Sema said, referring to Ampatuan.

The MNLF, in a resolution, also criticized Misuari and branded him as a dictator and said he is no longer effective in running the group.

“We strive against the divisive dictatorial leadership, callousness and incorrigibility of Brother Nur Misuari that keep on weakening the MNLF and giving us the impediment to attain meaningful peace and development and against his disposition by repudiating senior MNLF members credibility and barring their participation in the tripartite meeting as members of the MNLF panel delegation because he enlisted non-MNLF members to replace them both in domestic and international forums,” it said.

The MNLF said Misuari appointed Yolanda Stern to represent him in meetings abroad instead of senior MNLF leaders. A streamer was also put up in Sulu saying: “Misuari has no right to send Yolanda, a Yahudi (Jew), to head the MNLF delegation to the last OIC summit meeting in Dakar, Senegal.”

Stern, head of an international foundation that helps the poor in the Philippines, said the sign is anti-female and an anti-Jewish remark directed at her name and husband, Dr. Tom Stern who is an American of Norwegian ancestry, but whose father was of Russian-Jewish heritage.

Misuari, as the official invitee to the Dakar summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference in March, was not allowed to go by the Philippine government for fear that he would never return. So he sent his emissaries, Ustadz Zain Jali and Abdul Muhaimin and Stern and her husband were the support team.

Stern said she is a senior adviser of the MNLF to the Americas. “My husband and I went as a support team because he speaks French and I know the Secretariat Staff. Dakar is a French speaking country.”

“I signed a memorandum of agreement with the MNLF in 1996 after the (signing of the) peace agreement (with the Philippine government). I will continue working with Chairman Nur Misuari towards peace for Mindanao until the leadership is determined by the Peoples Congress and not by underhanded treachery. Our foundation works hard to serve the people of the Philippines, especially Mindanao. I am a daughter of Mindanao, a free woman. Pity those who still resort to medieval thinking,” she said.

Aishah Fatima, of the MNLF, said Stern is not a member of the former rebel group and criticized her for underestimating the current leadership.

“That's reality and you had to accept it. Do not underestimate the new leadership now of the MNLF because without these leaders, Misuari is nothing and neither you have the right to scrutinize their decisions.”

“Misuari already made a big blunder by exchanging the struggle of the MNLF for a piece of paper where implementation never became a reality and where it only made rich foundations like yours, non-MNLF individuals who grab the opportunity of being close to Misuari and some government officials and NGOs,” she said.

Adler Heirman, a blogger who had followed Misuari’s political career, said the former rebel leader failed to bring unity to the MNLF.

“The problem with Nur Misuari is that he never values the efforts of those people who placed him to the top. The truth is, he is not the only founder of the MNLF, but just one of them and he now claims he’s the only founder of the MNLF. He should accept now that his excesses of dictatorial decisions and arrogance resulted to his situation now.”

“And Misuari’s allowing Yolanda (Stern) to represent the MNLF is a total betrayal of the noble cause of the MNLF. If we only follow Islamic way of punishing traitors of Jihad, what happened to Misuari now is not enough punishment for his treachery. Yolanda should call her boss the one perpetrating “underhanded treachery” not those leaders who were sincere in their Jihad Fi Sabillillah. Of course, you can’t understand this because you are not a Muslim and never became a Muslim,” he said.

The MNLF said Misuari is not interested in unity and neither is he interested in adopting a Charter (for the MNLF) that will govern the conduct and behavior of its members and set a clear direction to where the Front is heading.

“The worst thing that could happen to a ship full of passengers is to have a captain who is indifferent and hostile to them and does not have a compass by which to navigate the ship,” it said, adding, Misuari wanted a perpetual leadership with nothing to guide it and no one to question it.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

The 58-year old Sema has criticized Misuari for dragging the MNLF into disarray.

"Misuari wanted to bring down the MNLF with him and that's why we are all working hard to unify the MNLF and bring peace and development in Mindanao," he said.

Government peace adviser Jesus Dureza also welcomed Misuari’s temporary freedom. "We welcome the decision of the Makati Regional Trial Court allowing Chairman Nur Misuari to post bail. We hope that with his temporary liberty, Chairman Nur will continue to be an important player in the Mindanao peace process," Dureza said.

But Misuari’s fall had severely affected the MNLF which is now heavily divided and rift among its leaders is becoming more apparent. Misuari also supported President Gloria Arroyo's election bid and her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004 in exchange for promises that he would be pardoned and freed.

Sema has vowed to "put into track the peace process with the government and make good the relations between the MNLF and government and convert it as vanguard of our people against exploitation and oppression and also as vanguard for good governance, transparency and accountability".

Sema said he intends to work further with local and international non-government organizations to bring peace and development in Muslim areas in Mindanao.

Sources close to Misuari previously said that he may be freed this year on condition that he will go to exile in Libya, which had previously supported the MNLF struggle for independence in the Philippines.

It was unknown whether Tripoli was aware or part of the plan, but Seif al-Islam, the son of the Libyan strongman Muammar al-Gaddafi and former Libyan ambassador to Manila, Salem Adam, were in Manila last year and met with government and MNLF leaders and discussed about Misuari’s case.

Seif’s Gaddafi Foundation said it would invite Misuari to a series of meeting in Libya next month to discuss the peace agreement it signed with Manila.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

The 58-year old Sema has criticized Misuari for dragging the MNLF into disarray. "Misuari wanted to bring down the MNLF with him and that's why we are all working hard to unify the MNLF and bring peace and development in Mindanao," he said.

The Organization of Islamic Conference is worried that the MNLF under Sema would further fragment the group and set back the efforts of the peace accord. The MNLF is a permanent observer to OIC. Misuari has repeatedly announced that the peace deal the MNLF signed with the Filipino government is long dead and buried and that he named himself as President of the Bangsamoro Republik. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Apr 25 2008

MNLF Praises Release Of Nur Misuari, But With Caution

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , Libya, Mayor Muslimin Sema, Nur Misuari

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 25, 2008) – Former Muslim separatist rebel group Moro National Liberation Front has praised Manila on Friday for allowing its deposed leader Nur Misuari to post bail for his temporary liberty, but cautioned the Libyan firebrand against dividing the MNLF.

The Department of Justice said a court granted Misuari temporary freedom.

Misuari is facing rebellion charges after his forces tried, but failed to overrun a major military base in the southern Sulu province and another group held hostage over 100 people in Zamboanga City in 2001 in an attempt to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region where he was then the governor.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. He is now under house arrest and facing rebellion charges in Manila.

“We welcome the news of his release. And we hope this will bring unity and peace to the people,” Muslimin Sema, the new MNLF chieftain, told the Mindanao Examiner newspaper.

Misuari previously accused Sema’s group of removing him as chairman of the MNLF. His followers in Sulu said Misuari never recognized Sema as the new chieftain of the MNLF.

“Sema expects resistance to his leadership only by those whom he called as having different direction in the pursuit of the MNLF’s goals. He stressed that the Front is not fractured and that reorganization is in the offing,” Abdullah Cusain, Sema’s spokesman, said.

A former rebel leader, Sema, now the mayor of Cotabato City in Mindanao Island, has been elected earlier this month by the MNLF Central Committee as its new chieftain. It was the second time in nearly a decade that Misuari, who founded the MNLF, was removed by his own commanders.

In 2000, Misuari was also ousted by his Foreign Affairs chief Parouk Hussin, who along with Sema and other senior leaders, made up the so-called Council of 15. Sema’s group previously appointed Misuari as chairman emeritus, but he rejected the position.

The Council of 15 accused Misuari of being incompetent as governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

The 58-year old Sema has criticized Misuari for dragging the MNLF into disarray. “Misuari wanted to bring down the MNLF with him and that’s why we are all working hard to unify the MNLF and bring peace and development in Mindanao,” he said.

Government peace adviser Jesus Dureza also welcomed Misuari’s temporary freedom. “We welcome the decision of the Makati Regional Trial Court allowing Chairman Nur Misuari to post bail. We hope that with his temporary liberty, Chairman Nur will continue to be an important player in the Mindanao peace process,” Dureza said.

But Misuari's fall had severely affected the MNLF which is now heavily divided and rift among its leaders is becoming more apparent. Misuari also ran twice for governor in Sulu province even while under detention, but lost.

Misuari also supported Arroyo's election bid and her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004 in exchange for promises that he would be pardoned and freed.

Sema has vowed to “put into track the peace process with the government and make good the relations between the MNLF and government and convert it as vanguard of our people against exploitation and oppression and also as vanguard for good governance, transparency and accountability”.

Sema said he intends to work further with local and international non-government organizations to bring peace and development in Muslim areas in Mindanao.

Sources close to Misuari earlier said that he may be freed this year on condition that he will go to exile in Libya, which had previously supported the MNLF struggle for independence in the Philippines.

It was unknown whether Tripoli was aware or part of the plan, but Seif al Islam, the son of the Libyan strongman Muammar al-Gaddafi and former Libyan ambassador to Manila, Salem Adam, were in Manila last year and met with government and MNLF leaders and discussed about Misuari’s case. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Apr 08 2008

Photo: Anti-Nur Misuari Sign In Sulu Province

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , MNLF, Mayor Muslimin Sema, Nur Misuari

A young boy looks curiously at a sign left by unidentified men at the Jolo airport in the southern Philippine province. The sign criticized Nur Misuri, founder of the Moro National Liberation Front for sending a woman to represent the former Muslim rebel group at a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Senegal. The sign reads: Misuari has no right to send Yolanda, a Yahudi, to head the MNLF delegation to the last OIC summit meeting in Dakar, Senegal." Misuari was ousted last week as MNLF chairman, by his former aides and named Muslimin Sema, the mayor of Cotabato City, as the new head of the organization. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

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Apr 02 2008

Libyan Firebrand Nur Misuari Is Removed As Chieftain Of MNLF In New Coup

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under , Council of 15, Coup, MNLF, Mayor Muslimin Sema, Nur Misuari

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 02, 2008) – A former Muslim rebel leader, Nur Misuari, jailed on charges of rebellion in the Philippines, has been removed as chieftain of the Moro National Liberation Front.

A former rebel leader, Muslimin Sema, now the mayor of Cotabato City in Mindanao Island, has been named as the new chieftain of the MNLF. It was the second time in nearly a decade that Misuari, who founded the MNLF, was removed by his own commanders.

In 2000, Misuari was also ousted by his Foreign Affairs chief Parouk Hussin, who along with Sema and other senior leaders, made up the so-called Council of 15.

Sema’s group previously appointed Misuari as chairman emeritus, but rejected the position. The Council of 15 accused Misuari of being incompetent as governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Sulu and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. He is now under house arrest and facing rebellion charges in Manila.

Misuari's arrest in Malaysia, which also previously supported the MNLF bid for a separate homeland in Mindanao, was said to be in retaliation for his failure to secure the release of dozens of foreigners and Malaysian citizens kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf group on two island resorts off Sabah in 2000 and brought to Sulu province.

Hussin, who became governor of the Muslim autonomous region, was also ousted several years later after the Council of 15, disgruntled at his leadership, put back Misuari as head of the MNLF in 2007.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

But Misuari's fall had severely affected the MNLF which is now heavily divided and rift among its leaders is becoming more apparent. Misuari also ran twice for governor in Sulu province even while under detention, but lost.

He also supported Arroyo's election bid and her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004 in exchange for promises that he would be pardoned and freed.

Sema’s spokesman, Abdullah Cusain, said the former rebel leader was unanimously elected by the MNLF central committee after a plenum on Tuesday in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province.

“With two-thirds of the Central Committee’s members and more than 300 ground commanders in attendance, the 3-day assembly settles the leadership crisis and absence of policy directions engendered in part by the refusal of Misuari in 2000 to abide with the decision of the then Council of 15 elevating him as chairman emeritus,” Cusain said.

Cusain said the 58-year old Sema vowed to “put into track the peace process with the government and make good the relations between the MNLF and government and convert it as vanguard of our people against exploitation and oppression and also as vanguard for good governance, transparency and accountability”.

Sema, he said, intends to work further with local and international non-government organizations to bring peace and development in Muslim areas in Mindanao.

“Sema expects resistance to his leadership only by those whom he called as having different direction in the pursuit of the MNLF’s goals. He stressed that the Front is not fractured and that reorganization is in the offing,” Cusain said.

A former aide of Misuari and member of the Council of 15, Abdul Sahrin, have also been named as the new MNLF secretary-general. Misuari has previously branded the Council of 15 as a group of traitors.

Sources close to Misuari said he may be freed this year on condition that he will go to exile in Libya, which had previously supported the MNLF struggle for independence in the Philippines.

It was unknown whether Tripoli was aware or part of the plan, but Seif al Islam, the son of the Libyan strongman Muammar al-Gaddafi and former Libyan ambassador to Manila, Salem Adam were in Manila last year and met with government and MNLF leaders and discussed about Misuari’s case. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Jan 31 2008

2 MNLF Leaders Accused Of Illegal Recruitment

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under MNLF, Nur Misuari

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 01, 2008) - A senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), urged the group's chieftain Nur Misuari to censure two of his field commanders for large-scale recruitment and promising new members with high-paying jobs.

Datu Dima Ambil, chairman of the MNLF’s Sebangan Kutawato State, said the two commanders, Johnny Sugagel and Kautin Usman of North Cotabato and Daval del Sus who are known “Misuari loyalists” were allegedly recruiting in Mindanao.

The two were also using Misuari's name to lure new members to join the former rebel group.

Ambil accused the two leaders of duping Muslim men into joining the MNLF by promising them integration into the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces after the tripartite review of the front’s 1996 peace pact with Manila.

The 11-year-old peace agreement is now subject of an extensive review by the government, the MNLF and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) as part of a three-way effort to address all misunderstandings on its implementation.

Ambil said both commanders have allegedly collected P5,000 from each of their recruits as “entrance fee” for them to be accepted in the MNLF.

“Its good to expand the ranks of the MNLF, but not through promises that would never materialize. Recruits are also not supposed to pay entrance fees just to become MNLF members,” Ambil told reporters.

More than 7,000 MNLF members had been integrated into the military and police from 1996 to 2000 as part of the peace deal. “The government should help check these illegal activities of these two commanders,” Ambil said.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, he became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

The Muslim autonomous region was meant to implement the 1976 Tripoli Agreement between Manila and the MNLF. But despite the peace accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Misuari is currently under house arrest and facing rebellion charges after MNLF forces attacked a major military base in Sulu province and took more than 100 people in Zamboanga City in 2001. (Jerick Wee)

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Jan 21 2008

Manila To Send Jailed Rebel Chief To Exile In Libya

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under MNLF, Nur Misuari, Peace Agreement

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 22, 2008) – The Philippines may release a jailed former Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari and would send him to exile in Libya in exchange for his freedom.

Misuari, chieftain of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), is facing rebellion charges after his followers tried, but failed to overrun a major military base in Sulu province where more than 100 people were killed and held over 100 civilians in Zamboanga City in 2001.

Sources close to Misuari said he may be freed this year on condition that he will go to exile in Libya, which had previously supported the MNLF struggle for independence in the Philippines.

“There is an ongoing negotiation for Misuari to leave the country for good, to go to exile in Libyaand never to return and all these in exchange for his freedom,” a source told the Mindanao Examiner newspaper. Aside from Misuari, one of his wives and dozens of loyal supporters are also facing similar charges, but are still at large.

It was unknown whether Tripoli was aware or part of the plan, but Seif al Islam, the son of the Libyan strongman Muammar al-Gaddafi and former Libyan ambassador to Manila Salem Adam were in Manila last year.

The Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has also urged Manila to free Misuari. Six of Misuari’s followers who were also accused of rebellion had already been freed earlier this month.

“We reiterate our calls for the Arroyo government to free our brother Nur Misuari. He is a Muslim, a Bangsamoro brother and he should also be freed as others were pardoned and released from jail just like the six MNLF followers of brother Nur and the others like former President Joseph Estrada and other high-profile prisoners,” Eid Kabalu, an MILF spokesman, said in a separate interview.

Estrada who was convicted of plunder was granted absolute pardon last year by President Gloria Arroyo. Estrada was deposed in 2001 by Arroyo after a bloodless revolution.

“Brother Nur is used to that kind of life. He was in exile in Libya and in Malaysia during the Muslim secessionist war in Mindanao. It is nothing new,” Kabalu said.

Misuari was in self exile in Libya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos was ousted and the Corazon Aquino government was installed in 1986.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

The Muslim autonomous region was meant to implement the 1976 Tripoli Agreement between Manila and the MNLF. But despite the peace accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Presently, the governor of the Muslims autonomous region, Zaldy Ampatuan is not a member of the MNLF and is said to be a violation of the peace agreement signed during President Fidel Ramos administration.

Many former guerrillas were disgruntled with the peace deal, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop war-torn areas in the south.

Under the peace agreement, Manilawould have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Sulu and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. He is now under house arrest in Manila. Misuari’s arrest in Malaysia, which also previously supported the MNLF bid for a separate homeland in Mindanao, was said to be in retaliation for his failure to secure the release of dozens of foreigners and Malaysian citizens kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf group on two island resorts off Sabah in 2000 and brought to Sulu province.

But Misuari’s fall had severely affected the MNLF which is now heavily divided and rift among its leaders is becoming more apparent. Other MNLF leaders said Misuari failed to bring developments to the Muslim autonomous region when he was governor.

Misuari also ran twice for governor in Sulu province even while under detention, but lost. He also supported Arroyo's election bid and her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004 in exchange for promises that he would be pardoned and freed. (With a report from Juan Magtanggol)

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Jan 21 2008

Nur Misuari Losing Control On Own Leaders

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under MNLF, Nur Misuari

MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 22, 2008) - The ongoing tripartite review of the Philippine government’s Sept 2, 1996 peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is feared to worsen factionalism in the group, the once solid rebel force now crisscrossed by gaping factional divides.

Eleven ranking leaders of the front, some of them members of the defunct “Council of 15,” which took over the MNLF’s leadership from Nur Misuari in April 2000, have sent a letter to the Organization of Islamic Conference questioning the propriety of Misuari’s designation of non-MNLF members to the five “joint working groups,” or JWGs, that are involved in the on-going review of the peace agreement.

The five JWGs, comprised of government representatives, officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and those chosen by Misuari to represent the MNLF, are now studying the possible enhancement of the 11-year-old truce, based on five areas: education; Sharia; political representation of Moros; regional security force; and natural resources.

Last week’s letter of the complaining MNLF leaders on the composition of the front’s JWGs was addressed to the OIC’s Southern Philippines Peace Committee, which is composed of representatives from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, Senegal, Malaysia, and Brunei.
The OIC, which helped broker the GRP-MNLF peace agreement, is a pan-Islamic block of more than 50 Muslim countries, including the oil-rich Arab nations.

The 11 signatories to the letter assailing Misuari’s choice of representatives to the JWG -- Hatimil Hassan, Abou Amri Taddik, Habib Mujahab Hashim, Alvarez Isnaji, Ustadhz Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, Uttoh Salem Cutan, Estino Jairi Ayyobie, Abdulkarim Langkuno, Bai Sandra Sema, Romeo Sema, and Aishah Fatima Prudencio -- also questioned the propriety of Misuari’s designation of lawyer Randolph Parcasio as chairman of the MNLF’s panel to the tripartite review of the peace agreement.

Parcasio, according to the complaining MNLF leaders, is not an organic member of the front. Parcasio, who is a human rights lawyer, is a known protégé of Misuari and was his executive secretary when he was governor of the ARMM from 1996 to 2001.

Parcasio represented Misuari in the November 10-12 first tripartite meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The tripartite assessment by the Philippine government, the MNLF and the OIC of the peace agreement was part of the effort to peacefully resolve misunderstandings on the implementation of the accord and address some of its perceived to be “flawed” provisions.

Parcasio, in a statement circulated to selected media outfits, said Misuari, as founding chairman of the MNLF, has the sole prerogative to select his choice of representatives to the JWG and the panel representing the front in the tripartite activity.

"The members (of the JWGs) that the MNLF chairman chose are experts on their field because this is really based on expertise," Parcasio told reporters.

Loyal followers of Misuari, among them foreign-trained clerics, said it is Misuari who is recognized by the OIC as “legitimate leader” of the MNLF.

Parcasio has been Misuari’s legal adviser for almost 20 years now, the sources pointed out.

“Attorney Parcasio stood by Chairman Misuari when some of our companions tried to unseat him as founding chairman of the MNLF. Attorney Parcasio has also been helping Chairman Misuari in his defense against the rebellion charges he is presently facing,” said a follower of Misuari, who is presently occupying a key position in the ARMM government. (Jerick Wee)

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Jan 06 2008

Release Jailed Rebel Leader, MILF Tells Philippine Government

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under MILF, Nur Misuari

SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 06, 2008) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has urged Manila to free a jailed former rebel leader.

The MILF wanted Nur Misuari, chieftain of the former rebel group, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) release from detention after six of his followers were freed last week.

“We reiterate our calls for the Arroyo government to free our brother Nur Misuari. He is a Muslim, a Bangsamoro brother and he should also be freed as others were pardoned and released from jail just like the six MNLF followers of brother Nur and the others like former President Joseph Estrada and other high-profile prisoners,” a rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu told the Mindanao Examiner newspaper.

Estrada who was convicted of plunder was granted absolute pardon last year by President Gloria Arroyo. Estrada was deposed in 2001 by Arroyo after a bloodless revolution.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

Many former guerrillas were disgruntled with the peace deal, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the south.

And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Sulu and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, but had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. He is now under house arrest in Manila.

Khaled Musa, a senior MILF rebel leader, said Misuari should be freed immediately without any precondition. Misuari deserves freedom more than Estrada, he said.

Musa also asked the government to work closely and immediately with the MNLF to assess and fully implement the 1996 peace pact.

But while MILF leaders asked for Misuari’s release, others said he already lost his moral authority to lead the Muslims in Mindanao.

The said that Misuari failed to bring developments to the Muslim autonomous region when he was governor. He also ran twice for governor in Sulu even while under detention, but failed. And supported Arroyo’s election bid and her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004 in exchange for promises that he would be pardoned and freed, which did not happen.

His arrest in Malaysia also was an issue among MNLF leaders and said to be in retaliation by his failure to secure the release of dozens of foreigners and Malaysian citizens kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in two island resorts off Sabah and brought them to Sulu in 2000.

The MILF, a breakaway faction of the MNLF, is currently negotiating peace with Manila, but talks were stalled last month over the issue of the Muslim ancestral domain.

Peace talks were stalled after government and rebel negotiators failed to agree on the scope of the ancestral domain, which is the single most important issue in the peace negotiations before the rebel group can reach a political settlement.

The ancestral domain which covers the whole of Muslim autonomous region and other areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes. And even Palawan Island in central Philippines and the Sulu Archipelago.

Arroyo has opened up peace talks with the MILF in 2001, but since then no substantial agreements have been signed between the two sides, expect for the cease-fire accord.

Murad Ebrahim, the leader of the MILF, has appealed to Muslims for patience over the failure of peace talks.

"The road to freedom is always full of twist and turn and to overcome, we must work, persist, and sacrifice," Ebrahim said.

The MILF is an army of about 12,000 rebels with millions of Muslim supporters in the Philippines.

The MILF is fighting for a separate Muslim homeland in the strife-torn, but mineral-rich region of Mindanao. It accused the government of reneging to its commitment after peace talks last month failed in Malaysia, which is brokering the negotiations.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF peace negotiator, said the Philippine panel agreed late last year on the scope of the Muslim ancestral domain, but later reneged on the accord that will constitute a separate homeland for more than 4 million Muslims and indigenous tribes in Mindanao.

Iqbal said the MILF is consistent with its demand for a Muslim homeland. He said the ugly turn of event in the peace process is taxing the patience of the MILF and the Bangsamoro people, who may be compelled to resort to other means of resolving the Mindanao conflict when they are pushed to the wall and become hopeless in the peace process.

He said the government peace panel must honor its commitment and previous agreement so the talks could resume.

"The government peace panel must honor its commitment to the Bangsamoro people because we wanted peace to reign and end the violence in Mindanao," he said. "We will wait for the government to reconsider its decision."

The MILF said government negotiators headed by Rodolfo Garcia completely disregarded the agreement on the ancestral domain and insisted again that the granting of homeland to Muslims in Mindanao would solely be through Constitutional process which the rebel group previously opposed.

The Philippine charter prohibits the dismembering of the country.But Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said there is a proposal to amend the Constitution and introduce a federal system of government.

"This is one of the proposals the government is looking at to get the peace talks moving again," Dureza said, adding, the only purpose of changing the Constitution is to install a Bangsamoro state or a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.

It is also what many opposition politicians fear because Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives might use the peace talks with the MILF as an excuse to amend the Constitution to change the system of government from presidential to parliamentary or federalism to allow the MILF to have a separate state and eventually prolong her into power beyond 2010.

Under the presidential form of government, Arroyo, who deposed President Joseph Estrada in a people power revolution in 2001, is allowed only one six-year term.

In the charter change proposal suggested by her political allies who dominate Congress, she can be elected as prime minister should Congress approve a proposal to dissolve the Senate and change the system of government to parliamentary.

The MILF earlier warned that hostilities may erupt in Mindanao if the peace talks fail.

The Philippine military previously demanded MILF rebels to lay down their weapons before peace talks could resume. (With a report from Mark Navales)

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Oct 18 2007

Misuari Aide, Companion Killed in South RP Ambush

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under Abu Sayyaf MNLF, Ambush, Jamasali Abdurahman, Nur Misuari

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 19, 2007)– Unidentified gunmen ambushed Friday a former Muslim rebel leader and his companion in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, police said.

Police said Jamasali Abdurahman, a special spokesman for jailed Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chieftain Nur Misuari, was attacked while walking in the village of Buanza in Indanan town at around 6.40 a.m. His unidentified companion was also killed.

“We are still investigating the ambush. Jamasali and his companion were killed in the attack,” Superintendent Ahiron Ajirim, the provincial police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the town is a known stronghold of the MNLF.

Abdurahman, a native of Sulu province, ran for Congress in May, but lost.

He helped secure the release of 21 Asian and Western holidaymakers kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Malaysia’s island-resort of Sipadan in 2000.

Before he was killed, Abdurahman was also providing information to the Philippine military about the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants who have huge bounties on their heads.

Abdurahman was also with the group of MNLF members who held hostage Marine Major General Mohammad Dolorfino and Defense officials and soldiers early this year in Sulu to force Manila to free Misuari.

A known MNLF propagandist, Abdurahman became Interior Secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after Misuari was elected as regional governor in 1996, the same year the rebel group signed a peace deal with Manila.

Misuari is currently in jail on rebellion charges after his forces tried, but failed to overrun a military base on the island in 2000. Misuari, disgusted with the peace agreement, fled to Malaysia, but was arrested there and later deported to Manila.

He accused Manila of reneging in the peace deal and for failing to uplift the poor living standards of many Muslims in the South. Under the agreement, the Philippines is to provide a mini-marshal plan and housing and livelihood to tens of thousands of former MNLF rebels. (Mindanao Examiner)

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May 15 2007

Nur Misuari, Nabigong Muli Sa Pulitika!

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under Jolo, Nur Misuari, Polls, Sulu

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Apr 13 2007

Rebels Storm Military Posts In Jolo Island, 3 Dead, 12 Wounded!

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under Khabir Malik, MNLF, Nur Misuari, Ustadz Jabier Malik

Military and police armored vehicles patrol Jolo Island, where Moro National Liberation Front rebels attack military posts, leaving 3 people dead and about a dozen more injured. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)

JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 14 Apr) – At least 3 people were killed and about a dozen more injured in a series of mortar attacks Saturday by Moro National Liberation Front rebels in the southern Filipino island of Jolo, officials said.

Officials said the rebels attacked several military posts in Panamao town and that one of the mortars exploded near a government building, killing a child and wounding another villager. But the military said there could be more civilian casualties.

Two marine soldiers were also killed and eight more wounded many seriously, when rebels attacked their post in the village of Tayungan with mortar bombs at around 6 a.m.

Army Major Eugene Batara, a regional military spokesman, said the rebels, under Jabier Malik, also rained mortar bombs on the headquarters of the Philippine Marines in the village of Seit before dawn Saturday.

“Malik’s group fired at least 5 rounds (of mortars) at the marine base, but only one exploded inside the (headquarters). The rebels also fired three more rounds toward the Panamao municipal hall (building). Security forces are in control of the situation,” Batara told the Mindanao Examiner newspaper.

Batara said the motive of the attacks were unknown, but troops on Wednesday clashed with suspected Abu Sayyaf militants allegedly aided by MNLF rebels in the village of Buanza in Indanan.

Major General Ruben Rafael, the island's military chief, condemned the attacks and said security forces will supress "this lawlessness perpetrated by this group." He said: "The (exact number of) civilian casualties are still unknown as of this report."

Fighting also erupted earlier this week in Talipao town near a major MNLF stronghold where troops raided a Jemaah Islamiya hideout and captured three local terrorists.

But an Indonesian bomber Umar Patek and a senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, had escaped the raiders in the village of Kanlimot.One soldier was also wounded in a separate clash Monday in Bakong village in Patikul town on the other side of the island.

Besides Patek, soldiers were also hunting down Dulmatin and Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir and other Jemaah Islamiya militants hiding on the island under the protection of the Abu Sayyaf. Jakarta tagged both Patek and Dulmatin as behind the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australian holiday-makers.

While Zulkifli bin Hir, an engineer trained in the U.S. allegedly heads the Kumpulun Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM) terrorist organization and is a member of Jemaah Islamiya central command.

Washington offered as much as $10 million reward for the capture of Dulmatin and $ 5 million for Zulkifli and Hapilon and another $1 million bounty for Patek.

The latest fighting broke out ahead of a planned peace advocacy forum in Jolo island on the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group. The MILF, which broke away with the MNLF, is fighting the past three decades for a separate homeland in Mindanao.

The MNLF rebels, under Nur Misuari, signed a peace agreement with Manila in September 1996. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari, became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the agreement, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

Many MNLF members were disgruntled with the peace deal, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the south.

And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Jolo island and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed. Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, but had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Mar 20 2007

Nur Misuari Joins Political Race In Southern Philippines

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under Nur Misuari

JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 20 Mar) – Detained Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari arrived here on Tuesday and filed his candidacy for the gubernatorial elections in May.

A court in Manila permitted Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges, to Jolo, but has been ordered to return later in the day. Security was tight during Misuari’s visit. He was escorted by soldiers and policemen to prevent his followers from springing him.

It was unknown whether Misuari would run as independent candidate. Manila, whom he accused of reneging on the peace accord, is unlikely to support him.

"It is better for him to just abandon his political plan. He is in under detention and can not even campaign. He better attend to his rebellion case and the deteriorating MNLF organization," Ibrahim Sahalul, a former rebel, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Many former rebels wanted Misuari to abandon his plan and instead work for his own release and strengthen the MNLF organization, which is now fragmented by squabbles and infighting among leaders.

Misuari is now under house arrest.

The MNLF rebels signed a peace agreement with Manila in September 1996. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari, became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the agreement, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

Many MNLF members were disgruntled with the peace deal, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the south.

And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Jolo island and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, but had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Mar 17 2007

MNLF Humirit!

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under MNLF, Nur Misuari

MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU – Posibleng madiskaril ang balak ni jailed Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari sa anunsyo nitong pagtakbo bilang gobernador sa lalawigan ng Sulu sa darating na halalan.

Nais kasi ng maraming miyembro nito na asikasuhin na lamang ni Misuari ang kapakakanan ng MNLF upang maisaayos ang gusot sa September 1996 peace agreement.

Hindi agad makunan ng pahayag si Misuari na tatakbo bilang independent candidate, ngunit ilang eleksyon na rin ang sinalihan nito sa Sulu at ilang ulit rin nilampaso ng mga katungali.

Malabo pa rin kung may magdadalang partido kay Misuari at tiyak na walang suportang makukuha ito sa pamahalaan na kanyang inakusahan dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa alituntunin ng peace accord. Maging ang oposisyon ay dumidistansya rin kay Misuari.

Naunang inihayag ng pamahalaan na wala itong kinalaman sa plano ni Misuari na muling sumabak sa pulitika matapos na magparehistro nuong nakaraang buwan sa Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sa Sulu.Sinabi ni Secy. Jesus Dureza, ang Presidential peace adviser, na siyang tumulong upang makapagparehistro si Misuari sa Sulu na walang kinalaman ang pamahalaang Arroyo sa anumang plano ng dating rebelde.

"We are not privy to or involved in Chairman Misuari’s future political plans. Our participation was only to uphold and ensure the exercise of his right to suffrage,” ani Dureza.

Under house arrest ngayon si Misuari sa Maynila dahil sa kasong rebelyon matapos na umano’y maglunsad ng atake ang mga tauhan nito nuong 2001 sa Sulu upang pigilin ang halalan sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) na kung saan ay gobernador ito. Nabigo rin si Misuari noon bilang gobernador na iahaon sa kahirapan ang maraming Muslim sa ARMM.

Ang kasugustuhan ng MNLF ngayon ay matugunan ang problema ng organisasyon at mapagtibay muli ang peace agreement. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Mar 10 2007

Nur Misuari Inilaglag Ng MNLF Sa Sulu

Published by The Mindanao Examiner under MNLF, Nur Misuari, Tagalog News

SULU (Mindanao Examiner / 11 Mar) – Posibleng madiskaril ang balak ni jailed Moro National Liberation Front chieftain Nur Misuari sa anunsyo nitong pagtakbo bilang gobernador sa lalawigan ng Sulu.

Ito’y matapos na dumistansya kay Misuari ang maraming mga miyembro ng MNLF at tagasunod nito at sa halip ay kumampi sa isa pang lider na si Yusop Jikiri. Naging gobernador ng Sulu si Jikiri at ngayon ay tatatkbo bilang Congressman sa ilalim ng KAMPI ni Pangulong Arroyo.

Bagsak ang suporta ni Misuari sa Sulu dahil si dating Gov. Sakur Tan ang siyang running mate ni Jikiri sa pagka-gobernador. Matindi ang line-up ng KAMPI sa Sulu at bitbit rin nina Jikiri at Tan si Sulu 1st District Rep. Hussin Amin na sasabak sa pagka-alkalde ng Jolo.

Hindi agad makunan ng pahayag si Misuari na tatakbo bilang independent candidate, ngunit ilang eleksyon na rin ang sinalihan nito sa Sulu at ilang ulit rin nilampaso ng mga katungali.

Sumanib na rin sa grupo nina Jikiri, Tan at Amin ang partidong LAKAS at Partido Demokrasya at Sosyalista ng Pilipinas sa ilalim ni dating security adviser ni Pangulong Arroyo na si Secy. Norberto Gonzalez. (Mindanao Examiner)

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