OPAPP denies organizing Zamboanga MNLF peace forum

MANILA,Philippines — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has not authorized anyone to conduct a forum on the peace process and federalism to be participated by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Zamboanga City on Oct. 30.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. issued the clarification amid reports, quoting certain individuals who claimed they were representing the government, that the OPAPP initiated the forum.

“To set the record straight, the OPAPP has not authorized any personality or their organization to carry out such activity,” Galvez said. 

He said the people behind the supposed peace forum are misrepresenting the government, MNLF and OIC.

The uncoordinated arrival of MNLF members in Zamboanga City prompted residents of resettlement sites in two villages, which were destroyed in the 2013 siege, to evacuate for fear of an MNLF attack.

Police and military forces conducted zoning in Barangays Rio Hondo and Sta. Catalina to check the presence of MNLF men.

Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said she received a letter asking for a permit from the supposed coordinators of the forum.

“We support the call of Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for authorities to look into this matter and prevent further misrepresentation that can create misunderstanding, confusion and unnecessary public alarm,” Galvez said.

Misuari

He said the government would continue to engage MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari to complete the remaining commitments of the group under the 1996 peace agreement. 

Galvez said his office recently organized joint peace coordinating committees to ensure continuous dialogue, coordination and collaboration with the MNLF to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. 

“We are advising some quarters, particularly those who are not privy in the dialogues, to refrain from issuing premature statements that will derail the current peace efforts of the Duterte administration,” he said. –