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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Top MNLF leaders ratify charter
By Bong P. Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Top leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have ratified a charter that will serve as the group’s policy in uniting the front’s factions.
Cotabato Mayor Muslimin Sema, who was chosen as the new MNLF chief last month, said the 12-point 19-page charter will serve as the front's policy and set of rules.
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The charter entitled Front Policy Declaration and Direction was ratified on Monday during the opening of the two-day 1st Bangsamoro National People's Congress in Zamboanga city.
"This is one of the primary moves to unite the MNLF," Sema said of the charter.
"We just want to have an MNLF with a sense of direction, a sense of policy and set of rules. We cannot be forever an organization that is like floating at sea," he added.
Aside from Sema, the signatories of the charter are the heads of the MNLF's 23 state revolutionary commands coming from the entire Mindanao as well as from the northern command that covers up to Palawan.
The 23 state revolutionary commands have at least 30,000 followers both armed and unarmed, according to Sema.
He said the newly-ratified charter will "distinguish us from any other groups," citing those who will not submit themselves to the charter will be considered outside the realm of the MNLF.
Those who will violate the 12-point 19-page charter will be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the set of rules, Sema said.
Sema added that the provision of peace and development is also included in the charter.
He said they are discouraging their members from engaging in any military activities although they are not required to lay down their firearms.
Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Indanan, Sulu, said they are in constant dialogue with some of the groups who are acting on their own to unite with them.
This includes the groups of Habir Malik and Khaid Ajibon who maintain their headquarters in the jungle of Sulu, according to Isnaji.
"It is just a matter of time that we will unify ourselves," he said.
In the case of Misuari, who is out on bail, Sema said they will utilize him as an instrument of unity to unify the MNLF as well as in unifying with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"We are not here to convince him (to join us), but we are here to make the MNLF a united organization," Sema said.
"Even those who follow him (Misuari), we are calling upon them not really to join us but to recognize the necessity of having this charter," he added.
However, he acknowledged that it is quite difficult for Misuari to abandon a position like the chairmanship of the MNLF, which has been known here and abroad.
But he said no one in the organization could go against the decision of the central committee, which is the highest policy-making body of the MNLF.
He clarified though that Misuari was not removed as an MNLF member. He continues as well to be a member of the central committee. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (May 13, 2008 issue)
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