Drop rebellion raps vs Misuari, we talk – MNLF

From the Manila Times (Aug 21): Drop rebellion raps vs Misuari, we talk – MNLF

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) wants the Philippine government to drop the rebellion cases filed against its chairman, Nur Misuari, to allow him to participate in the planned tripartite review of the 1996 peace agreement, an official of the rebel group said here.

According to Johnny Siao, chief of the National Border Command, an MNLF wing based in General Santos City, the MNLF hierarchy is willing to hold formal talks with the government on condition it be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Siao said the Philippine government should also show its sincerity and commitment to the 1996 peace pact, which was signed by President Fidel V. Ramos.

He claimed that since then only 70 percent of the first phase of the agreement have been implemented.

“President Aquino must fulfill the remaining 30 percent of Phase I and to start with Phase II for its implementation,” Siao said. He added that the MNLF Central Committee, which met recently in Jolo, Sulu, may accept government’s offer to have a discussion about the unfinished business under the 1996 agreement through a tripartite review process provided the charges against Misuari for rebellion are dropped.

“We have been urging the government to drop the charges against Misuari for him to participate in the tripartite review whenever it would set its schedule and this is the only way also that the government will prove their sincerity,” Siao said told The Manila Times.

http://www.manilatimes.net/drop-rebellion-raps-vs-misuari-we-talk-mnlf/211702/