Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari has always cut a controversial figure. He was most recently a fugitive facing rebellion charges for his supposed role in the siege of Zamboanga City in 2013 that caused the deaths of more than 200 and the displacement of thousands.
But on Thursday, he marched into Malacañang as a guest of no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, who had invited him to become part of the peace process that the government is forging with various groups in Mindanao. At the Palace, Mr. Duterte called Misuari “brother Nur” and assured him there was never any intention to deprive him of his liberty. They hugged like brothers, it was said.
Secretary for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza had earlier gone to Sulu to give Misuari a copy of the resolution that suspended proceedings and stopped the enforcement of warrants of arrest against him.
Misuari would be part of the team that would pursue negotiations for peace in Mindanao. Having him there, alongside yet other groups of stakeholders, would make the peace process different from the one pursued by the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, which only spoke with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Many quarters hail Misuari’s inclusion because of his ability to unite and lead the various stakeholders to the peace process. Going by this logic, the resulting agreement would be more inclusive and more reflective of the needs of the people of Mindanao.
All this would be ideal if there were no misrepresentations and no neglect of accountability. It does sound strange to suspend legal proceedings against someone accused of causing the death of hundreds to include him in a peace panel. Small wonder the city government of Zamboanga remains dead-set on pursuing the case against Misuari.
That the government would include more voices as it goes after peace in Mindanao is laudable. Peace is always a lofty goal. Then again, it must not be pursued at all costs. We must define the things that are negotiable, and those which are not.
