Defense chief: Gov't ready for any outcome of Misuari independence declaration

From GMA News (Aug 19): Defense chief: Gov't ready for any outcome of Misuari independence declaration

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday said that the government is ready for whatever the outcome of Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari's recent declaration of Mindanao's independence will be.

"Pinaghahandaan natin 'yan. Tinitingnan natin kung ano ang magagawa natin," he said.

However, Gazmin also urged the MNLF to resort to "peaceful" means in its support of Misuari's declaration, which includes proclaiming himself the president of a federated state.
"Gawin sana peaceful way para sa ganun, hindi nadadamay ang walang kinalaman d'yan," Gazmin said in an ambush interview.

Asked if Misuari's declaration could be considered a threat, Gazmin said: "Pwedeng yes, pwedeng hindi, depende sa pag-carry out niya, if it can be done peacefully."

Misuari's declaration comes after the signing between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of the Bangsamoro framework agreement, which is expected to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a Bangsamoro Political Entity.

The ARMM was created after the 1976 Tripoli agreement which the MNLF had negotiated. The MILF, now in negotiations with government, broke away from the MNLF after disagreements in the peace talks.

The MNLF has expressed dismay over the Bangsamoro framework, saying the government planned to cancel the 1996 peace agreement signed under the Ramos administration as a result of the new framework.

Malacañang maintained that the 1996 agreement is still being enforced. The Palace also asserted that there is only "one government in the Republic of the Philippines."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/322707/news/nation/defense-chief-gov-t-ready-for-any-outcome-of-misuari-independence-declaration