Rody: Don’t arrest Misuari

MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte has ordered the Philippine National Police  and the Armed Forces of the Philippines not to arrest Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari so the government can discuss peace talks anew with the MNLF leader.

“There’s a warrant for his arrest, but I won’t implement it because he might die for whatever reason when he is placed under the custody of the police and we will be compromised,” Duterte said yesterday.

The President said he was able to talk with Misuari on Tuesday night and the MNLF leader showed interest in discussing peace with the administration.

Misuari is facing charges for the Zamboanga siege in September 2013.  He had since gone into hiding and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Duterte regarded Misuari as “the only known leader who has influence and stature in Mindanao.”

“Nobody else stands there. While on the other side, there is Murad and Jaafar, and a central of committee of the Bangsamoro,” he said referring to Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Al Haj Murad and vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar.

As part of the administration’s roadmap to peace and development in Mindanao, Duterte said he needed to talk with every group to assure them of the government’s sincerity in reconciliation.

“I told him:  ‘Nur, I have no intention of detaining you or placing you under the custody of the government. You can simply walk out there, ask any soldier and police to escort you and we’ll talk wherever I may be,” Duterte said.

He said Misuari is amenable to coming out of hiding, provided the talks should be conducted in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia with members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and some of his people in attendance.

To avoid further loss of lives in the conflict in Mindanao, the President said he is ready to discuss issues about federalism.

Under the federal system, Duterte said he could give in to some of Misuari’s demands in order to attain peace.

Displaced lumads assured of aid

Lumad families displaced by armed conflict in Mindanao are being prioritized in the ongoing relief distribution, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said yesterday.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo ordered the agency’s field offices in Mindanao to monitor the situation of lumad families in evacuation centers.

Social welfare personnel should ensure that prompt and genuine services are provided for these families, she said.

The DSWD chief said she would coordinate with other government agencies mandated to provide support to civilians affected by armed conflict. – With Ranier Allan Ronda