PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that "just and lasting" peace in strife-torn Mindanao will be achieved, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte had a “warm, cordial and positive" meeting with Misuari at the presidential guest house in Panacan, Davao City on Tuesday.
"This was a close-in meeting (between Duterte and Misuari) so basically, it was a reaffirmation of the importance of securing just and lasting peace and development for Mindanao,” Abella said.
The presidential spokesperson, however, was not privy to the issues discussed during the meeting.
Based on the photo release sent by Malacañang, Misuari was accompanied by his wife Madam Tarhata and son Abdulkarim when he paid a visit on Duterte.
Duterte has been negotiating with Misuari in a bid to end the armed conflict in the beleaguered region.
Misuari has also ensured the President that he and his faction would cooperate with the current government to achieve peace and order.
The Philippine government's peace panel is also currently in talks with the communist rebels. (SunStar Philippines)