2 MNLF groups in Sulu unite for peace

SULU – For the sake of peace, the leaders of two opposing Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) groups in the southern Philippine province of Sulu have finally agreed to unite following a recent mediation facilitated by Vice Governor Totoh Tan.

MNLF Vice-Chairman and BTA Parliament Deputy Speaker Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari (left) with Sulu vice Governor Toto Tan (center) BARMM Deputy Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Albakil Jikiri. (From the Facebook page of Misuari.)

The peace talks, held in the village of Pasil in Indanan town, was attended by senior MNLF leaders and hundreds of members and supporters. 

MNLF Vice-Chairman and BTA Parliament Deputy Speaker Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari joined settlement efforts for peace and unity between the two disputing groups. Misuari, in a post on his Facebook page, said he emphasized repeatedly the need for the MNLF to unite and work hand-in-hand towards the protection and preservation of our Hula, Bangsa, and Agama. 

In pursuing peace and unity, Misuari cited the Quranic verse “There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, we shall give him a great reward.” [an-Nisa’ 4:114, The Holy Quran]. 

The move to settle the differences of the two groups was made possible through the intervention of other prominent MNLF leaders, including BARMM Deputy Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Albakil Jikiri. 

Jikiri emphasized the importance of MNLF unity and reconciliation. “We need to unite and reconcile if only to restore the glory and strength of our revolutionary past. As our revolutionary struggle is still halfway to the finish line,” he said. 

The Vice Governor also assured the MNLF that the provincial and municipal governments are all supportive of the settlement efforts and sees it as a way to maintain peace and security of the people in Sulu. “Like a broom, when all are bound together, and not scattered all over we can be stronger and make a difference towards peace and development of our province,” Tan said. 

The two warring groups amicably settled their differences and misunderstandings in order to give full recognition and support to the current initiatives for MNLF unity and reconciliation. 

The peace settlement was also witnessed by other government and security officials, including Indanan Vice Mayor Sharif Alan Jainal, among others. Other MNLF leaders who attended the peace talks were Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim, Secretary General of the MNLF Central Committee; General Abraham Joel, Chief of Staff of the MNLF-Bangsamoro Armed Forces; Commanders Tahir Usman Sali and Alandoni Hassan, Salip Annuar Jainal, Haji Abduraup, Salip Aloy Jainal. (Mindanao Examiner)