Misuari urges Manila to set time frame for autonomy

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman, Nur Misuari called on Manila to set a "specific" time frame for granting "genuine" autonomy to the Bangsamoro people in the southern Philippines, "led by the MNLF".

In an interview with Gulf News, Misuari said: "The ministerial committee, set up by the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), should draw up a plan of action that will make it mandatory on the part of the Philippine government to accept a specific time frame for the prompt creation and delivery of genuine and meaningful political autonomy to the MNLF and the Bangsamoro people."

Misuari, who was in Doha to attend the ninth OIC summit, said the 'plan of action' should be prepared only "after thorough consultations among the three parties involved – the Manila government, MNLF and the OIC panel".

"The plan should be based on consensus. No unilateral decision should be imposed." Elaborating, he said it should be based on three factors: political autonomy, financial autonomy and "the right to protect the region from any disturbances".

Misuari wanted the autonomous area to have the freedom to enter into loan agreements without interference from the central government. He was also firm that autonomy should come without any referendum.

"The central government in Manila controls elections and because of that they can easily influence its outcome," he said. But with the Philippines in the grip of a political crisis, Misuari was not sure about a quick response to his initiative from Manila.

In his address to the just-concluded OIC summit in Qatar, Misuari said: "(A full OIC membership) will dramatically improve and enhance the stature of the Bangsamoro people and the MNLF before the eyes of the world, including the Filipino people and government." The MNLF has observer status at the OIC.

He said any further delay on the part of Manila in implementing the peace agreements with it would have serious consequences."There are 17 million Muslims in the Mindanao region and it is not easy to control such a large number."

"Militants are gaining strength and there are strong demands in the region now for a return to the path of self-determination and independence." But he ruled out armed struggle as an option for the MNLF now. "We will follow all peaceful means of protest if the delay in implementing the peace agreement is continued."

Asked about the recent wave of kidnappings in the southern Philippines, Misuari said the MNLF strongly condemned this practice. "This is totally against Islam," he added. "Once we are in control after the full implementation of the peace agreements with Manila, we will come down strongly on anti-social elements. We will not tolerate lawlessness." "We have a 50,000-strong armed force and it is capable of meeting all challenges."