MNLF threatens new attacks

From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): MNLF threatens new attacks

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is threatening to launch new attacks in Mindanao following the signing of the annex on power sharing in the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza issued the warning yesterday a day after the government and the MILF signed the deal in Kuala Lumpur.

“Certainly, that would lead to another war. They can sign everything. If they want to continue, then let the war continue,” Cerveza said.

Cerveza pointed out that the signing of the annex on the power sharing agreement further convinced the group to pursue its desire for a separate and independent state in Mindanao.

The government is moving to downplay the influence of Nur Misuari over the MNLF by declaring that the group is divided into three factions.

As this developed, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles has reportedly asked the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for the exclusion of Misuari as MNLF representative to the scheduled tripartite meeting in Indonesia next year.

The tripartite meeting between the government, the MNLF and the OIC is aimed at updating parties and the international community on the progress of the 1996 Peace Agreement that the government signed with the MNLF.

Cervesa also claimed that Malacañang was also asking the OIC not to recognize the founding chairman of the MNLF because he is a fugitive.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dared Misuari yesterday to come out in the open to prove his innocence on the charges of rebellion and other related crimes.

“A warrant has been issued against him and if he is innocent, he should come out and prove his innocence,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

The AFP maintains that Misuari – contrary to reports that he has left the country and is now in hiding in the Middle East with his family – is actually holed up in Talipao, Sulu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/13/mnlf-threatens-new-attacks