MNLF unaffected by martial law

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is not affected by the declaration of martial law in Mindanao because it is not involved in the armed uprising in Marawi City, a ranking official of the group said yesterday.

Spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari is closely working with the government to maintain peace and order, particularly in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“MNLF has long renounced violence and war in attaining its political objective,” Fontanilla said yesterday, although he expressed concern that martial law would worsen the peace and order situation in the Lanao areas.

“I personally believe that martial law will worsen the situation,” he said.

But Misuari’s legal counsel Rex Bugaring said martial law is the answer to the terrorist activities of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf group.

He also pointed out that although martial law is limited to Mindanao, the military and the police can pursue and arrest without warrants the leaders of terrorist groups who are involved in armed rebellion and directing the attacks from their base in Manila.

Meanwhile, the military told the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) not to worry, assuring them of the primacy of the peace process amid martial law.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. made the assurance to dispel apprehensions among the mainstream rebel factions which have forged agreements with the government.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission, an independent body mandated by Executive Order 08 to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, has condemned the violence in Marawi City, which happened at a time when the BTC is conducting public consultations and is about to finish the draft BBL.