MNLF key leaders to meet in Davao

From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 4): MNLF key leaders to meet in Davao

KEY leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will meet in Davao City this week to discuss their future plans and also meet with government leaders.

Major General Ariel Bernardo of the 10th Infantry Division said the MNLF leaders will be coming from all over Mindanao including Maguindanao, Lanao, Marawi, Soccsksargen, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi. He said all factions of the MNLF will be attending at an undisclosed place here.

Bernardo said the MNLF activity has been coordinated with the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (Opapp) and the military for security purposes.

The official said that like the past peace rally by the MNLF in Davao City on Sept. 1, authorities have also requested MNLF members not to bring firearms.

Bernardo said the MNLF leaders will meet for two days and on the third day, they will meet with Opapp, Minda, and the military. It was not clear if Opapp Secretary Teresita Deles will be attending the third day meeting.

Secretary Senen Bacani of the government peace panel, meanwhile, urged all factions of the MNLF to make representations with the Organization of Islamic Conference so that not only will the Misuari faction be recognized as the sole MNLF representative.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, for his part, said that he is in full support of the plan of the MNLF to hold a summit in the city. He said that the same conditions he laid during last month's peaceful rally must be observed by the MNLF members.

Conditions like no bringing in of firearms, no wearing of camouflage uniforms while traveling towards Davao City, and no violence and no breaking of any law.

Duterte said the MNLF is also free to raise their flags anywhere they wanted to for as long as it is not leveled with or higher than the national flag.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/10/04/mnlf-key-leaders-meet-davao-306742