Misuari really wants peace, says Barbers

Sen. Robert Barbers expressed his belief yesterday that former Gov. Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) really desires peace in Mindanao.

Barbers issued this statement after a two-hour emotion-filled meeting with Misuari at the latter’s detention place in Camp San Pedro, the training base of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

"I believe in the sincerity of Governor Misuari to help the government bring peace and prosperity to Southern Philippines. I appeal to the national government and our concerned Muslim brothers and sisters to go back to the negotiating table since this is the only way to find lasting solution to the decades-old Mindanao conflict," Barbers said.

During the meeting, Misuari told Barbers his concerns for Mindanao, especially the escalation of armed hostilities in the area.

According to Barbers, Misuari said he had just talked with his followers and they agreed with him on the need for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

"Misuari also expressed his desire for the full implementation of the 1996 Mindanao Peace Accord," Barbers added.

Misuari was jailed for allegedly instigating his followers from the Moro National Liberation Front to fight soldiers in a bid to stop the scheduled ARMM elections.

Some 100 persons, mostly men of Misuari, died in the ensuing firefight in Sulu. Misuari fled to Malaysia, but the Malaysian government detained him and later extradited him to the Philippines to face trial.

Despite the charge, Misuari told Barbers that he could be trusted to help bring peace in Mindanao as he still has a substantial following. — With Aurea Calica