Gazmin urges Misuari to respect peace deal

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is hopeful that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari will pursue his cause through peaceful means.

“I hope he (Misuari) does it calmly and in a peaceful way so that those who have nothing to do with it will not be involved,” Gazmin said in a chance interview in Camp Aguinaldo Monday.

Gazmin was asked to react to Misuari’s declaration of independence from the Philippines and the establishment of what the MNLF founder called as the “Bangsamoro Republik.”

The declaration of independence was made last week in Daira, Barangay Lampaya, in Talipao, Sulu. Misuari has also designated himself as the commander-in-chief of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces.

Malacañang, however, refused to recognize Misuari’s declaration and maintains that there is only one Republic Of the Philippines.

When asked whether Misuari’s declaration can be considered a threat, Gazmin said: “Two ways: maybe yes, maybe no depending on how he carries it out.”

The defense chief said the communication between the Philippine Marine Corps, the Sulu local government and the MNLF is continuous.

Gazmin said he would also verify reports that Misuari’s followers are set to declare independence in Cotabato.

Founded by Misuari, the MNLF is a group that sought to establish an Islamic state in the south. In 1976, it signed the Tripoli agreement with the government which led to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 1996.

MNLF Members who were dissatisfied with the peace deal broke away from the group and formed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.