Misuari pledge on ASG welcome — AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed Nur Misuari’s “valuable” pledge that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will help the military eradicate the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) after his appointment as special economic envoy on Islamic affairs to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Lorenzana said Misuari’s influence in the group remained sizable and could affect its actions toward the ASG.

Armed Forced of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said that should Misuari bar MNLF members in Sulu from accommodating Abu Sayyaf relatives seeking sanctuary, it would “make it easier for us to arrest or neutralize (them).” —Jeannette Andrade