AFP mourns death of MNLF chair Yusop Jikiri

The Armed Forces of the Philippines mourned the passing away of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairperson Yusop Jikiri.

In a statement on Sunday, AFP spokesperson Marine Major General Edgard Arevalo acknowledged the contribution of Jikiri in peace building.

“The AFP joins every peace-loving Filipino in mourning the passing away of Yusop Jikiri, the beloved chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front,” Arevalo said.

“Ako, sampu ng bawat miyembro ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, ay nagpupugay sa kanyang napakalaking ambag sa kapayapaan at  pagkakaunawaan sa Katimugang bahagi ng ating bansa,” he added.

According to Arevalo, Jikiri’s works with the MNLF and in Sulu as one of its former governors and congressional representatives were instrumental in the partnership between the AFP and the MNLF.

He added that these efforts culminated in the realization of the GPH-MNLF Peace Agreement.

Aside from this, Arevalo said Jikiri is one of the strong pillars who advocated trust and respect as key to achieve lasting peace and development not only in Sulu but of the Bangsamoro.

“Nawa’y magsilbing halimbawa at inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino ang kanyang mga simulain at mga nagawa sa pagsusulong ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa bansa,” he added. —LBG, GMA News