Dureza fetches Misuari in Sulu for meeting with Duterte

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza on Thursday fetched fugitive Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari from Sulu to meet President Rodrigo Duterte.

This, after a Pasig court suspended the warrant for his arrest over rebellion and violation of international humanitarian laws charges he is facing in relation to the 2013 Zamboanga City siege, according to Habib Mujahab Hashim, chair of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council.

“It’s good news, MNLF chairman Brother Nur gained his liberty,” Hashim said in Zamboanga City.

Hashim said Dureza presented Misuari, who emerged with several of his armed MNLF followers, a copy of the order suspending the warrant.

He said Dureza escorted Misuari out from Jolo before noon and both flew to Davao City. The rebel leader is scheduled to meet with Duterte in Malacañang.

“The MNLF community is jubilant except for those who are interested [in getting the] chairmanship,” Hashim said.

“Brother Nur is temporarily free and hopes are high that the dismissal of the case will follow,” Hashim said.

The MNLF official said the meeting between Duterte and Misuari will boost the chances of lasting peace in Mindanao.

The main objective to bring Misuari into the mainstream is part of the convergence efforts between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the MNLF. Both groups have separate peace deals with the government and the Duterte adminstration has promised to fully support the full implementations of the Bangsamoro peace agreements.

The siege of Zamboanga City in 2013 by a faction of the MNLF identified with Misuari was reportedly sparked by concerns that the 1996 peace agreement with the government would be set aside in favor of one with the MILF. That deal was eventually signed in March 2014.

Hashim said that reunification of the MILF -- initially a breakaway group of the MNLF -- and the MNLF is unlikely.

“That remains as a problem. The physical unity (between MNLF and MILF) is impossible. But in so far as the roadmap of the peace process is concerned, it could be reached,” Hashim said.

The MILF and a faction of the MNLF have already agreed to work on a common roadmap for peace in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.