NDF backs Nur temporary freedom

PHOTO BY LEILA SALAVERRIA/INQUIRER

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) on Saturday welcomed the suspension of the arrest warrant against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari, saying it allows the Moro leader to take part in talks to end the Moro rebellion peacefully.

Alfredo “Ka Paris” Mapano, among several NDF leaders freed from jail in August to take part in peace talks with the government, said Misuari’s inputs and insights will have an impact on the peace process with the Bangsamoro.

Despite factionalism in the MNLF, President Duterte had said Misuari still enjoyed the respect of the Moro people.

In a resolution granting Misuari a six-month reprieve from arrest, Judge Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 158 in Pasig City, noted that Misuari’s authority to represent his group has been consistently recognized by both the Philippine government and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Fr. Angel Calvo, peace advocate and Claretian priest, also found it a “good move” by the Duterte administration to suspend the arrest of Misuari.

Calvo, head of the group Peace Advocates Zamboanga, said while he understands the feelings of the people of Zamboanga City “if we think deeper about real peace, this is a notable move to reach the point of genuine healing.”

Misuari had been charged with leading an assault by the MNLF on Zamboanga City that led to the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands of people. —JIGGER JERUSALEM AND JULIE ALIPALA