Gazmin unsure if Misuari, followers a security threat

From InterAksyon (Aug 19): Gazmin unsure if Misuari, followers a security threat



MNLF founder Nur Misuari

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is unsure if Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari, who “declared independence” last week, and his followers should be considered a national security threat.

“Two ways, puwedeng yes, puwedeng hindi. Depende sa pag-carryout niya (it can be yes, it can be no. It depends on how he carries out [his declaration]). If it can be done peacefully… that’s speculation,” Gazmin told reporters in at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Misuari has often voiced displeasure over the government’s peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which broke away from the MNLF in the 1980s.
A peace agreement with the MILF would lead to the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, created by the peace pact forged by the MNLF and the government in 1996, with a new Bangsamoro juridical entity.

Misuari has also complained often of government’s failure to fully implement the provisions of the 1996 agreement.

However, the MNLF itself has been rent by divisions, with one faction led by Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema, which has belittled Misuari’s declaration.

Gazmin said they are closely monitoring Misuari’s group and authorities have not closed communication lines with the MNLF founder.

“Right now, there is continuous communication between the Philippine Marines with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and the MNLF,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/68933/gazmin-unsure-if-misuari-followers-a-security-threat