MNLF ready to face gov’t in talks to end Zamboanga standoff

FILE PHOTO

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The spokesperson of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expressed his group’s openness to a “bilateral” ceasefire and a political resolution to the hostilities.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesperson and legal counsel of the MNLF faction led by Nur Misuari, said Wednesday afternoon that the issue would never be settled through the skirmishes.

“The question that must be answered right now is how to resolve this through political solutions rather than military solutions,” Fontanilla told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

On Monday, scores of MNLF forces arrived in Zamboanga City from Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga City, claiming that they were scheduled to march to Plaza Pershing to hold a rally there.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, however, said the MNLF members wanted to raise the group’s flag at city hall.

The arrival of the MNLF forces led to skirmishes since Monday. Thousands of residents in affected barangays have also evacuated to safer ground. The rebels have also held hostages as human shields.

Misuari, claiming that government has reneged on its promises based on the peace agreement with the MNLF signed in 1996, declared independence and the establishment of the “Bangsamoro Republik” in Sulu in July. Similar declaration rallies were held in other areas in Mindanao the past months. The MNLF forces that arrived in Zamboanga City said they were there to hold a rally at Plaza Pershing, just a few meters away from the city hall.

Fontanilla said he was appointed by Nur Misuari to be the chief negotiator of the MNLF.

Issues and points discussed during the negotiations would be immediately relayed to Misuari, he said.

“I am here waiting for emissaries from the government,” Fontanilla, who claimed he was in General Santos City, said.

The MNLF spokesperson also said that Misuari instructed all leaders and ground commanders to maintain their defensive position. MNLF forces were instructed to fight back if threatened or attacked.

“Our demand right now is for the government to stop all military actions,” Fontanilla said.

He assured that they would not fire their weapons if the military would stop their operations.

Fontanilla asked whether President Aquino wanted to directly address the problem.

“Isn’t it the President who should decide on the issue? But why is it the military who is directly handling and answering?” he asked.

The MNLF added that the government has been taking advantage of tension to divert the public’s attention from the pork barrel scam.

“The government has its own agenda on this issue and we believe this is to divert the attention of the people from the pork barrel scam because many people including (Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel) Roxas and the President will be affected by this,” Fontanilla said.

But Fontanilla added that Misuari has remained hopeful about a ceasefire and negotiations to resolve the issues raised by the MNLF regarding the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement.