Nur not seen at OIC meeting

MANILA, Philippines - Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari was not seen yesterday attending the 40th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Conakry, Republic of New Guinea.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez responded to questions about Misuari’s supposed attendance at the OIC meeting where the Philippine government is represented by officials led by DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis.

“I just talked to Usec Seguis who is now in Conakry, Guinea attending the OIC meetings. He said he and other delegates have not seen Misuari in the meetings, on its second day now,” Hernandez said.

“And the MNLF observer seat has been vacant,” he added.

The military said on Monday that Misuari is still hiding somewhere in Sulu.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala issued the statement amid reports that Misuari would attend the OIC meeting in Conakry from Dec. 9 to 11.

Zagala, however, declined to comment on questions whether the OIC would hand over Misuari to the Philippine government, considering he is a fugitive.

Misuari was among those charged for rebellion and violation of international law over the three-week siege in Zamboanga City that left hundreds of people dead and homeless last September. Zagala said an arrest warrant is already out for Misuari.  Misuari was alleged to have sent hundreds of armed followers to Zamboanga on Sept. 9 in a bid to derail peace talks with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

More than 10,000 homes were razed in the ensuing street battles, forcing more than 100,000 people to flee. 

The MNLF signed a peace treaty in 1996 with the Philippine government that allowed the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

However, the MNLF is opposed to a planned final peace deal between the government and the MILF, believing a peace deal would leave them sidelined. 

The MILF signed a power-sharing agreement with the Philippine government on Monday.

MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said the signing of the power-sharing annex had prodded their group to aspire for an independent state in Mindanao.

“Certainly, that would lead to another war. They can sign everything. If they want to continue, then let the war continue,” Cerveza said in an earlier interview.

Zagala said they have reports indicating that Misuari’s followers would launch offensives to oppose the power-sharing deal. He stressed the actions of Misuari’s group do not represent that of the MNLF.

“We believe that the MNLF still abides by the (1996) final peace agreement,” Zagala said. Under the power-sharing annex, a Bangsamoro ministerial Cabinet will be formed and will be appointed by a chief minister and a Bangsamoro Council of Leaders. At least 50 members will constitute the legislative assembly of the Bangsamoro ministerial government.                    â€“ With Alexis Romero, Roel Pareño