MNLF cancels Sulu meet due to AFP buildup

MANILA, Philippines - Nur Misuari has canceled a meeting between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the government in Indanan, Sulu after getting hold of a military intelligence report that troops have been sent to arrest him.

The plan to arrest Misuari came after the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) invited him to attend exploratory talks for the possible resumption of peace talks with the government, according to MNLF spokesman Absalum Cerveza.

“We were alarmed at the massive military deployment near MNLF stronghold,” he said. 

Misuari called the meeting in preparation for the tripartite meeting brokered by the OIC in Manila next month, Cerveza said.

Misuari has formed a panel to represent him in the tripartite meeting among the government, the OIC and the MNLF, he added.

However, the OIC noticed a military intelligence report leaked by their asset showing that the government has conducted a survey on the possible impact on the criminal case against Misuari should he be arrested, Cerveza said.

Misuari has a standing warrant of arrest related to the three-week siege on Zamboanga City two years ago that killed hundreds of people.

The OIC brokered the 1996 government-MNLF peace accord.