Misuari surfaces in Sulu, reiterates Mindanao independence

MANILA, Philippines - Fugitive Muslim leader Nur Misuari surfaced recently in Sulu and led flag-raising ceremonies to commemorate the first anniversary of declaration of independence under the Federated States of Bangsamoro Republik.

In the website of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Misuari was shown in full battle gear, urging his followers to pursue their right to self-determination.

MNLF Islamic Command Council chief Habib Mujahab Hashim said he was informed of the gathering last Aug. 12 at Barangay Lampaya, Panamao town by Ustadz Murshi, Misuari’s former secretary-general.

Hashim said Misuari maintained his call for independence after observing the planned closure of the Tripartite Review on the 1996 MNLF final peace agreement by the government peace panel as a unilateral act of abrogating their accord.

Hashim also belied military reports that Misuari is ailing and weak while hiding in Sulu.

Misuari was charged along with 60 of his armed followers for the Zamboanga City siege in September last year, during which 9,732 houses and buildings were burned and caused damage estimated at more than P200 million.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Abdulbaki, MNLF’s foreign affairs secretary, met with Misuari last Sunday in Sulu and briefed the Muslim leader of the result of the MNLF meeting with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) last June.  –  With Roel Pareño