Zambo crisis victims ask OIC to drop Misuari as Bangsamoro rep

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A number of survivors and Muslim leaders  has urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to cease from recognizing Nur Misuari as the sole representative of the Bangsamoro after leading the siege here that left more than 200 individuals killed and displaced over 120,000 residents, majority of them Muslims.

The hostile sentiment against Misuari came after his faction circulated  copies of invitation letter of the OIC, requesting Misuari'd participation to the upcoming OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Conakry in Guinea in West Africa on December 9 to 11.

The Muslim leaders were  apprehensive that the OIC's recognition of  Misuari as the sole representative of the Bangsamoro and as a revolutionary leader will make him immune from facing the raps stemming from the Zamboanga siege.

Misuari along with close to 300 followers have been charged with violation of the Philippine International Humanitarian law, genocide, and other crimes against humanity and violation of the Revised Penal Code for rebellion in connection with the 3 weeks bloody siege that started September 9.

Misuari and 11 of his lieutenants, who masterminded the siege to stake his claim for independence, escaped and have remained at large while more than 200 others who joined the attack were captured.

Many of his faction's members led by Ustadz Habier Malik were also killed.

Muslim leader Edmund Gumbahali, the president of the Panglima Hawani Foundation Inc., a non-government organization based in Jolo, Sulu, said inviting Misuari in international sorties would draw more internal problems among the fragmented MNLF leadership and the implementation of the 1996 final peace accord.

The pan-Islamic group has recognized Misuari as the representative of the Bangsamoro for years but recently the OIC  has exerted efforts to facilitate unity among fragmented MNLF leaders.

The OIC has created the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum to unite all the MNLF leaders, including the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is talking peace with the government. Misuari, however, has rejected the unification efforts.

A survivor of the siege called on the OIC to look upon the real sentiments of the people who were displaced by the atrocities inflicted by the followers of Misuari.

“The time is ripe for the OIC to heed the real sentiments of the people on the ground that the struggle of the Bangsamoro does not only rely on a single person,” said Fredilyn Ramirez, 35, among those taken captive by Misuari followers during the Sept. 9 siege.

Citing the Misuari group's recent atrocities, when his father was killed, he said Misuari should no longer be recognize as the Bangsamoro representative.

“Actually, we are traumatized every time we hear his name. His name is now associated with war,” he said.