President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday revealed the content of the talks with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari – it’s either federalism or war.
In his speech during the PDP-Laban’s campaign rally in Marikina City, Duterte said that Misuari continues to hold on the promise made by former President Cory Aquino to the Moro people, saying that MNLF strongman is prepared to go to war if federalism will not push through.
The president also said that they reached an agreement with the MNLF leader for the creation of a panel, which will study the federalism system that is acceptable to Misuari.
Duterte earlier expressed desire to work on a new agreement with MNLF and Misuari once the Bangsamoro Organic Law is ratified.
MNLF was once the dominant Muslim rebel group in Mindanao before it was overtaken by the MILF, formed by ex-MNLF members.
In 2013, Misuari led a deadly siege of Zamboanga City to protest peace talks then between the MILF and the administration of then president Benigno Aquino III.
MNLF holds influence mainly in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi areas.