Misuari backs Duterte, mobilizes followers for campaign

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari has appealed to his followers to support the presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

In a phone patch at a gathering here on Sunday, Misuari said Duterte has publicly declared his intention to pursue peace negotiations with the Moro groups in Mindanao.

Misuari issued the statement during a peace summit attended by MNLF leaders and at least 500 members.

The MNLF leader has been in hiding since his followers attacked Zamboanga City in 2013.

“Don’t be afraid, give all your support to our brother Rodrigo Duterte. He is the MNLF’s candidate,” Misuari said.

He said a Duterte presidency would also mean victory for the people of Mindanao — Muslims, Christians and indigenous people – who have been longing for peace.

Datu Kautin Usman, MNLF chief of staff for Central Mindanao, said he was surprised by Misuari’s statements.

He said it was the first for the MNLF chair to endorse a presidential candidate.

“The MNLF has not endorsed any candidate in the past, but this time, it was chairman Misuari who announced it,” Usman said.

He said he would relay the Misuari’s message to his followers.

“And since it was announced by our chairman, we will conduct consultation among our followers,” Usman said.

Usman said MNLF could deliver votes for any favored candidate.  SFM