With new peace roadmap, Duterte holds 'warm' phone conversation with Misuari

President Rodrigo Duterte reached out to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari after approving what the administration said was an “inclusive” peace roadmap, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

#PresidentDuterte talks to MNLF chair Nur Misuari over the phone after Peace Roadmap was presented.#PartnerForChange pic.twitter.com/udmcBHqTVV

— Presidential Comm (@PresidentialCom) July 19, 2016

The phone conversation on Monday night, according to Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza, was “very open.”

“After the President approved the roadmap which included the Bangsamoro, he asked that a phone call be made to chairman Nur Misuari because we knew that chairman Misuari has been wanting to talk to him,” Dureza told reporters.

“The conversation was very open...It was something very warm between two friends greeting each other” he said, jokingly adding that Duterte even told Misuari “I love you.”

Duterte had approved in its entirety the peace formula presented by Dureza, which will address the Bangsamoro issue, the impending resumption of peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front, and the implementation of closure agreements with other rebel groups in the country.

The peace strategy envisions the consolidation of the various pacts already entered into by the government, including the MNLF's 1996 final peace agreement.

Misuari still a fugitive

Meanwhile, Dureza also clarified earlier reports of the meeting set between Duterte and Misuari.

“He (Misuari) is still facing arrest due to the Zamboanga incident and the warrant of arrest is still active...We cannot deal with him officially because he is technically still a fugitive of justice,” Dureza said.

The peace adviser added that one of the options of Misuari’s lawyers was to have his case reviewed.

In 2013, an arrest warrant was issued against Misuari and three others over the 20-day-long Zamboanga City attack, which led to the deaths of over 200 people and the displacement of thousands of others.

The issuance of arrest warrants came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed rebellion charges and violation of the International Humanitarian Law against Misuari, MNLF commander Habier Malik and 60 others. — VVP, GMA News