Philippine Muslim rebel leader meets Duterte

AFP, MANILA: An influential leader of the Philippines’ decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency voiced support Thursday for peace efforts after rebellion charges against him were suspended and he held a surprise meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.
Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari was flown on a government-commissioned plane more than 900 kilometres (550 miles) from his southern jungle stronghold to Manila for the meeting with Duterte at the presidential palace.
“I came here to thank him for restoring my freedom, if only partially,” Misuari said.
“Should he need our cooperation in his campaign for peace, you can count on us.”
Misuari, 77, had been in hiding since his forces allegedly launched attacks on civilians in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013, leading to a three-week battle against the military that claimed about 200 lives.
The government of Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino, filed rebellion charges against Misuari, but he was able to remain on his southern island stronghold of Jolo under the protection of his armed followers.

 

Philippine Muslim rebel leader meets Duterte

AFP, MANILA: An influential leader of the Philippines decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency voiced support Thursday for peace efforts after rebellion charges against him were suspended and he held a surprise meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari was flown on a government-commissioned plane more than 900 kilometres (550 miles) from his southern jungle stronghold to Manila for the meeting with Duterte at the presidential palace. I came here to thank him for restoring my freedom, if only partially, Misuari said. Should he need our cooperation in his campaign for peace, you can count on us. Misuari, 77, had been in hiding since his forces allegedly launched attacks on civilians in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013, leading to a three-week battle against the military that claimed about 200 lives. The government of Dutertes predecessor, Benigno Aquino, filed rebellion charges against Misuari, but he was able to remain on his southern island stronghold of Jolo under the protection of his armed followers.