Proposal to invite Misuari to draft law hearings welcomed

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro National Liberation Front has welcomed a proposal to invite MNLF chairman Nur Misuari as a resource person in the congressional deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

That is if the court will lift the arrest warrant issued by a Zamboanga court against Misuari.

“It’s a welcome move if Chairman Misuari is given a safe conduct pass to attend the hearings, the main concern is security,” Absalom Cerveza told The STAR in a telephone interview.

The proposal to invite Misuari and Umbra Kato of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) in congressional hearings was made by Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon.

Biazon said the proposal aims to involve all stakeholders in Mindanao in the discussion on the draft law.

Biazon said inputs from the MNLF are important, as the rebel group is recognized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the representative of the Bangsamoro people.

Misuari has strongly opposed the comprehensive agreement signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

To stress his opposition, Misuari declared the independence of the Bangsamoro Republic in August last year, a month before his followers launched the Zamboanga siege.

After the siege, Misuari went underground and is reportedly holed up in an MNLF stronghold in Sulu.