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Wanted Misuari turns up to mark anniversary of own republic


Wanted Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari allegedly surfaced earlier this month, presenting himself to his armed followers to celebrate the first anniversary of his group’s United Federated States of Bangsamoro Republik.

In a post on the website mnlfnet.com, photos showed Misuari, who is charged with rebellion in connection with the Zamboanga siege in September last year, addressing his supporters in full battle gear. 

Rebellion is a non-bailable offense.

Armed Forces of the Philippines information chief Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said that reports of Misuari’s presence in Sulu were unconfirmed, but that he should consider surrender, since a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
 
“The AFP is still validating reports of Nur Misuari's reappearance in Sulu. As he is wanted by law, he is subject to  law enforcement operations led by the PNP, supported by the AFP,” Zagala told GMA News Online in a text message.

Zagala said Misuari should take responsibility for the lives lost in the Zamboanga siege that happened also a year ago. The siege followed the declaration of independence by Misuari and his followers in 2013.
 
“Because of his role in the attack of Zamboanga City last year, Nur Misuari should take responsibility by submitting himself to the rule of law and face the consequences of his group's actions in Zamboanga City that afflicted suffering to the people of Zamboanga,” Zagala said.
 
An article that accompanied the photos on mnlfnet.com reiterated the group’s declaration of independence from the Philippines.
 
“The deceptive political course of action by the present Aquino government compelled the MNLF to revert back to armed freedom struggle to regain complete independence and national self-determination for the Bangsamoro people by any means possible," the article read.

"The MNLF succeeded to conduct peaceful rallies in Davao, Basilan and Jolo calling for moral support towards the sacred cause, but the Zamboanga City local government violently suppressed the MNLF peace demonstration,” it added.
 
Last year, Misuari declared the establishment of the UFSBR in a gathering of his followers in his Sulu stronghold. According to the Misuari, the new entity envisions a territory consisting of Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Palawan, and the state of Sabah in northern Borneo.
 
The declaration came after President Aquino's administration announced that it was in the final stages of negotiations for a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
 
Misuari and some of his men are wanted for their their role in the siege that left over 200 people dead, most of them MNLF fighters.
 
Although not physically present during the attack, Misuari allegedly ordered the siege as he accused the government of disregarding them in the peace negotiations it is conducting with the MILF. —NB/KG, GMA News
Tags: nurmisuari
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