MNLF chief calls on Mindanao tri-people to support Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 6): MNLF chief calls on Mindanao tri-people to support Duterte

Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari on Sunday called on the tri-people in Mindanao to support the candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Misuari made his appeal to the people present at a gathering in Kidapawan in Cotabato province, saying that Duterte is very vocal in pursuing peace negotiations among the Bangsamoro people.

However, Misuari made his address to the people remotely from an undisclosed location.

Over 500 people were gathered for the peace summit held inside Kidapawan City's JC Complex. The crowd was composed of top MNLF leaders, Indigenous Peoples and Christians from various areas in Region 12.

Misuari addressed the participants through mobile phone attached to the loud speaker that was set up inside the conference room at the summit venue.

He said Duterte could be last hope for peace of the People of Mindanao.

“Huwag matakot, ibigay ang lahat ng inyong boto sa ating kapatid na si Rodrigo Dutrete. Siya ang kandidato ng MNLF,” Misuari said.

Datu Kautin Usman, MNLF Chief of staff in Central Mindanao based in Barangay Patadon, Kidapawan City, said he was surprised by Misuari’s statements.

Usman said that the MNLF in past presidential elections did not endorse any candidate as it is a non-partisan organization.

“I was speechless then. Actually MNLF did not endorse any candidate but this time it was chairman Misuari announcing it in front of us,” he said, adding that he will reecho Misuari's call to their followers.

“We still have meeting on March 13, we will know the final decision," he added.

 “Yes we can deliver votes to any candidate especially that we have various followers in Central Mindanao and even in other places that will follow orders from our higher ups,” he added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/558003/news/regions/mnlf-chief-calls-on-mindanao-tri-people-to-support-duterte