With New Charter In Place MNLF leaders eye peace between rogue forces, Army

ZAMBOANGA CITY — New leaders of the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front vowed to bring back to its path rogue forces following the adoption of its charter during the national convention here.

MNLF leaders believed that hostility between the rogue rebels and the military will be over once their comrades will accept the provisions of the charter and government troops operation will only center on the remaining Abu Sayyaf.

Indanan, Sulu Mayor Isnaji Alvarez, a zone commander said they have maintained contacts with the groups of Khaid Ajibun and rogue leader Habier Malik to re-align with mainstream faction under it new chairman Cotabato City Mayor Muslimen Sema. Malik is wanted by the government after he led the hostage taking of now Philippine Marine Commandant Maj. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, undersecretary retired general Ramon Santos and 18 of their staff last year.

The fugitive rebel leader  led the series of attacks on military camps in Sulu also on the same year.

The Ajibun group is considered as a radical faction whom the military accused of cuddling the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

Alvarez said his constant contacts with the rogue MNLF group has prevented them into misencounter with government forces after the Task Force Comet attacked last month the Abu Sayyaf camped near the MNLF base in Indanan.

Ajibun said once the group will be on their side, hostility in Sulu will be over except for the Abu Sayyaf group.

“With the charter it signals unity – it’s just a matter of time,” Alvarez said.

The charter, which was unanimously ratified during the two-day 1st MNLF Bangsamoro National Congress, defined the MNLF areas, identity, aspiration, membership, responsibility, and guidelines for the MNLF.

Sema warned that those who will not abide by the MNLF charter will be dealt with accordingly as inscribed in their by-laws which they started to craft in 2003.

“This charter now will distinguish the MNLF from the other group,” Sema said.

But Sema said that they are handling those rogue groups with “utmost concern” and encourage them to participate in delivering basic services.

Sema said the MNLF is still big with its estimated 30,000 members, including those 7,500 forces who have been integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police (PNP).

But unlike in the previous leadership who waged war to through arms, Sema said the new front is gearing up for peace and development.

“No more arms. Going back to war is history. We don’t go back to the past,” Sema said.