Analyst: Misuari, MNLF felt isolated
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari still wants a role in the government’s plans for Mindanao.
This was the assessment of security analyst Rommel Banlaoi on the current clashes in Zamboanga City between MNLF forces loyal to Misuari and government troops.
In a phone interview with ANC, Banlaoi said Misuari has been critical of government for excluding the MNLF in peace talks for a Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.
“Nur Misuari felt isolated and felt that MNLF was being put to the sideline so Nur Misuari is conveying a message that they still have a capability to assert their rights to any form of struggle, including armed struggle,” said Banlaoi, head of the Center for Intelligence and National Security Issues head and former professor at the National Defense College.
Banlaoi noted that Misuari has been going around Mindanao holding “peace rallies” with the presence of armed men as protection.
“Because they believe that they have the right to defend themselves, and they cannot defend themselves without armed elements. They also believe that they are waging a legitimate struggle that’s why they remained to be armed,” he said.
“They don’t want to surrender their arms because all the legitimate freedom fighters in the world have the right to defend themselves. And that is the narrative of the MNLF.”
The MNLF has infiltrated at least five communities in Zamboanga City and is holding at least 20 hostages.
READ MORE: Misuari-MNLF faction claims they were harassed by gov't troops,
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