Duterte eyes meeting with Misuari after BOL plebiscite

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives a warm welcome to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari during a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on August 3, 2017. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he is keen on meeting with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to draw up a peace agreement after the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebescite.

The BOL is the product of the government’s negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway faction of the MNLF.

“I hope to talk to him (Misuari) in the coming days as we agreed. Sabi ko tapusin muna natin ito [BOL], hintayin natin ‘yung atin then again we can resume after the Bangsamoro,” Duterte said in his speech during a peace assembly for the BOL ratification in Cotabato City.

“I would call out to him extend my hand of friendship, peace and I hope we can sign an agreement that can also promote the interest of the MNLF and the rest of the Moro of Mindanao,” he added.

Misuari’s MNLF faction earlier expressed opposition to the BOL and wants the government to honor the 1996 peace agreement which led to the creation of the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), of which he served as governor.

If ratified, BOL would pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to address the Bangsamoro’s aspiration for genuine autonomy.

The plebiscite is scheduled for Jan. 21 and Feb. 6./gsg