Govt to continue talking with MNLF despite Nur case

From GMA News (Oct 9): Govt to continue talking with MNLF despite Nur case

The government will continue to hold talks with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) despite the filing of rebellion charges and the issuance of arrest warrant against its founder Nur Misuari.

"Our commitment to engage with the MNLF is there," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press conference Wednesday.

He issued the statement even as the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed rebellion charges and violation of the International Humanitarian Law (Republic Act 9851) against Misuari and 60 other MNLF leaders and members for last month's assault on Zamboanga City.

President Benigno Aquino III has earlier said Misuari may also face charges of illegal possession of explosives after a raid on the MNLF leader's house in Zamboanga City yielded suspected components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Despite this, Lacierda said that the government is still "determined" to pursue the tripartite review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF. "We are committed to push through with the Tripartite Review Process with the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) and with MNLF."

The MNLF and government panels were supposed to hold another meeting in Indonesia last month but Misuari asked for its postponement amid the attack on Zamboanga.

The attack came after Misuari claimed that the government had disregarded the MNLF and abrogated the agreement, allegedly prompting them to declare independence. The government has denied this.

"The 1996 Final Peace Agreement stands. It stands. We honor that peace agreement regardless of who the signatory was," said Lacierda.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/330137/news/nation/govt-to-continue-talking-with-mnlf-despite-nur-case