GMA seeks OIC’s help to end Misuari’s revolt

President Arroyo revealed yesterday she has sought the help of leaders of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to help end a fresh rebellion led by suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Nur Misuari.

The President said she has talked directly with Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri and has already sent word to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad following reports that Misuari, a former rebel commander, may have fled to Malaysia or Indonesia.

The two countries are members of the OIC’s Committee of Eight, which monitors the progress of a 1996 peace agreement forged between the Philippine government and Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Mrs. Arroyo, arriving from a nine-day official visit to the US, said she called up Megawati to inform her of the situation and to seek assistance.

"She (Megawati) was very, very supportive and she said to let her know what else needs to be done. I have also sent word to Prime Minister Mahathir," she said.

The President did not elaborate on what help she has specifically asked from the two Southeast Asian leaders, but said if Misuari has sought refuge in those countries, "there are many options" on how he would be brought back to face charges in the Philippines.

Mrs. Arroyo said the rebellion would end with the arrest of Misuari, who now faces administrative charges. The ARMM governor was suspended following attacks by his men on military detachments in Jolo, Sulu last Monday.

The President’s support for a rival faction within the MNLF in Monday’s ARMM election apparently sparked the bloody revolt. More than 150 of Misuari’s followers have been killed following a counter-offensive by government forces.

Misuari was reported Thursday to have fled to Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah while unconfirmed reports yesterday said he could have even used the vast sea south of the Philippines to enter Indonesia.

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez said they have already touched base with their Malaysian counterparts to verify the report of Misuari’s purported entry into their territory.

"We have already coordinated with Malaysian authorities and the indication is that they will help us effect the arrest of Misuari – to turn him over in case he is there in Malaysia," Golez said.

He stressed that Malaysia will not allow itself to be used as "a launching point" for Misuari’s rebellion.

In a related development, opposition Sen. Edgardo Angara asked the President yesterday to pursue her visit to Mindanao so she could see for herself the nightmarish problems of the region and "crank the engine of the government to carry out the promised Mindanao agenda."

"If she has time for New York, surely she can find time to visit Mindanao," Angara said.

Mrs. Arroyo was supposed to proceed to Mindanao to campaign for the candidacy of Parouk Hussein, the administration’s bet to replace Misuari as ARMM governor. The trip was canceled apparently for security reasons.

Angara said Mindanao, now rocked by violence and secessionist guerrilla operations, "needs the assuring hand of the leader of the nation."

He noted that the ARMM has a budgetary allocation of a mere P11 billion — the lowest among the country’s 16 regions — despite having a poverty incidence of almost 68 percent.

The senator also stressed that economic development is "the missing link" to peace and stability in the region.

"Poverty begets violence and unrest," he said.

Angara is the principal author of the Mindanao Incentives Development Act, which proposes a package of business incentives to lure investments into the troubled region. He is also seeking the development of a P1-billion Mindanao railway System. – With Aurea Calica