Misuari fortifies stronghold in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines - Supporters of Nur Misuari have ringed the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)’s mountain stronghold in Sulu with heavy guns, including portable anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank weapons in anticipation of a military offensive against armed groups in Mindanao not involved in peace talks with the government.

An MNLF leader said Misuari has also ordered the consolidation of his forces in mainland Mindanao following the circulation in Central Mindanao of an advisory on a “secret all-out military operation.”

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has denied disseminating the advisory.

MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said the MNLF has long been prepared for any outbreak of hostilities, but he declined to confirm or deny the arms buildup.

“The MNLF remains in defensive position and we will act in self-defense,” he said.

Cerveza said the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has returned to the United Nations committee on decolonization documents of the 1996 peace accord with the MNLF after the government forged another peace accord with the MILF.

The OIC brokered the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF, he added.

Cerveza said the OIC has tossed back to the UN the peace treaty after MNLF reverted its position from autonomy to independence as the new accord with MILF deals with same territory and people.

“The OIC has recognized MNLF as the sole representative of the Bangsamoro people in the Philippines,” he said. “In fact, chairman Misuari was granted a seat as permanent observer at the OIC.”

Cerveza said the MNLF is just awaiting notice from the UN recognizing their right to self-determination.

Misuari has summoned all MNLF leaders in Mindanao to a meeting to inform them on the progress in declaring a Bangsamoro Republik of Mindanao, he added.

Cerveza said the MNLF has renounced armed struggle and opted to pursue its political objective peacefully.

“The MNLF is leaving to the UN committee on decolonization its petition for self-rule,” he said.