Nur sends emissary to war-torn Sulu

Detained Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari sent on Monday an emissary to the strife-torn Jolo to arrange a peace negotiation between the local military leadership and the group of renegade MNLF rebels whose attacks on civilian and military targets displaced more than 60,000 people.

"He (Misuari) regrets these things happened. But as in the past, he wants peace to reign in all places in the country, particularly those covered by the peace agreement," lawyer Randolf Parcasio, legal adviser to the MNLF and Misuari’s special envoy, said.

Parcasio said Misuari was deeply troubled by the outbreak of violence in Sulu, which tarnished the 11-year peace between the mainstream MNLF and the government. The peace agreement was signed on Sept. 2, 1996 during the Ramos administration.

Parcasio, accompanied by presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza, said his visit aimed to facilitate communication between the military and the rebel group led by Habier Malik.

"I went there to set a framework for a congenial atmosphere to bring everybody to talk to each other," Parcasio said.

Parcasio personally handed letters containing Misuari’s message to Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, Task Force Comet commander, and Brig. Gen. Ruperto Pabustan.

Although he failed to meet with Malik, Misuari’s personal emissary said he received reports that the fugitive MNLF rebel leader had also expressed regrets for the recent violence.

"He felt sorry for the situation of the civilians," Parcasio said.

Malik was also said to have condemned the beheading of the seven civilian workers by the Abu Sayyaf last April 19 in Parang town.

"I was there to listen to reports, got debriefing from military, meetings with the peace working groups in Sulu," Parcasio said.