32 MNLF pioneers back peace process

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 27): 32 MNLF pioneers back peace process

The Malaysian-backed peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gained momentum with the current overtures of surviving pioneer combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in favor of the proposed establishment of a new Bangsamoro autonomous political entity in Mindanao.

At least 32 surviving members of the MNLF’s “Top 90” maiden batch have regrouped to adopt a resolution casting their support to the GPH-MILF deals, particularly the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB), and its four annexes that would comprise a final accord, as well as the drafting of the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Resolution No. 01-2014, which was signed in Marawi City on February 3, but distributed only yesterday to concerned entities, also conveys the group’s choice of Datu Hadji Abul Khayr Alonto, a fellow lead figure in the “Top 90” batch, as MNLF chairman.

In the resolution, the 32 signatories had affirmed the legitimacy of Nur Misuari and Alonto as chairman and vice chairman of the MNLF, respectively.

“By virtue of law of succession and noble covenant of the original MNLF Central Committee, we have obliged… Brother Abul (Alonto) to assume the MNLF chairmanship,” said the signatories, who enumerated some misgivings that prompted them to replace Misuari.

Alonto, the first speaker of the maiden autonomous region created by the government in 1978, also signed the resolution in conformity with and acceptance of his selection.

The resolution cited the “unfortunate blunders” of Misuari that “hauled down the MNLF into an abyss of leadership crisis, and its lamentable fragmentation as well as the exodus of able and dedicated Mujahideen (freedom fighters), either into the Philippine government bureaucracy, or to private lives of seemingly but definitely unwanted complacency.”

http://www.mb.com.ph/32-mnlf-pioneers-back-peace-process/