Misuari flies to Sulu today to file candidacy

Former governor Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will fly to Jolo today to file his certificate of candidacy for governor of Sulu.

At Malacañang, officials said the government will respect the decision of the Makati Regional Trial Court granting Misuari temporary liberty.

Misuari is running under the banner of President Arroyo’s party, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), according to Haji Gapul, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) central committee political coordinator.

"Most MNLF officials are now in Zamboanga, and some of them will accompany him to Sulu today," Gapul said. "Whatever is his (Misuari’s) wish and wisdom, we will follow and support him all the way."

After filing his certificate of candidacy at the provincial Comelec office, Misuari will immediately return to Metro Manila, Gapul said.

Two Special Action Force officers and several security men will guard Misuari during his trip from Metro Manila to Sulu, according to SAF commander Chief Superintendent Leocadio Santiago.

The SAF has custody of Misuari, who is detained on rebellion charges.

In separate interviews, Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said the government cannot oppose the court in granting Misuari a furlough.

"It’s not much of a (security) concern for us," Dureza said.

"He (Misuari) is exercising a political right, he wants to aspire for political office so we just have to respect and support the decision of the courts."

"At least you see our courts are at work… he (Misuari) tried running before but he lost... I don’t know maybe that’s his way of trying to continue to be relevant so let’s give him that privilege," Gonzales said.

On the other hand, Misuari’s candidacy is a "political suicide" that would further divide Muslims in Mindanao and set aside the full implementation of the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF, according to Datu Norodin Lucman, former leader of the Bangsamoro Liberation Organization (BMLO).

Lucman said unless the government supports Misuari’s bid, he would lose against Sulu Gov. Ben Loong, a known ally of Mrs. Arroyo.

"It’s political suicide, the defeat of Misuari will mean the end of his political career and also put closure to the nagging issue on the full implementation of the 1996 peace agreement," Lucman said.

Lucman said Misuari has no political base in Sulu, except for the "ragtag remnants" of MNLF rebels, as compared to Loong, a traditional leader of the Tausugs.

Misuari’s bailiwick is confined to Samal Island, he added.

Lucman said Misuari could not wage a political campaign and unless pro-government parties support him, he has no chance of winning. – Jaime Laude, Paolo Romero, Perseus Echeminada