MAKKAH, 9 December 2005 — The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has complained to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) that the Philippine government has reneged on the peace agreement both sides signed in 1996.
A six-person delegation headed by Dr. Parouk Hussin, chair of the MNLF’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, raised their complaints while attending the OIC 3rd Extraordinary Summit Meeting here in Makkah this week.
The MNLF was warmly welcomed by the OIC Secretary-General Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoghu, in the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah.
Other members, of the MNLF delegation include Ustaz Abdulbaki Abubakar, secretary-general for foreign relations; Datu Shalemiddin Bahjin, senior member of the MNLF Central Committee; Jadjurie Arasa, general coordinator for foreign relations; Akmad Nudjang, foreign relations staff; and Alihussin Hamsain, aide de camp to the delegation head.
In a special meeting with the OIC chief, Hussin and the delegation briefed the secretary-general on the current war situation in the South of the Philippines, especially on the resumption of fighting between MNLF forces and Philippine government troops.
The delegation also expressed concern over the continued detention of MNLF chairman, Nur Misuari, in a police camp south of Manila, even though he is ailing.
It said government forces have engaged in aggression against the Bangsamoro people and the MNLF while maintaining that the peace agreement was in effect.
“In this year alone, the Armed Forces of the Philippines have launched three major offensives against the Bangsamoro people and MNLF,” the MNLF told the OIC.
In a press statement, the MNLF took the occasion to boast that the government paid dearly for its aggression. It said government troops suffered 60 killed and 80 wounded “in the last 20 days aggression, starting Nov. 11 to Nov. 30, 2005.”
On the other hand, it said, “ the MNLF freedom fighters suffered three casualties and five wounded.”
“The total casualties of the offensive from AFP side could already reach close to a thousand,” the press statement said.
Earlier government reports gave a lower count for the casualties, which it blamed on a combined attack by Abu Sayyaf militants and MNLF forces in the southern island of Jolo.
Local authorities have reported that more than 50,000 people have been displaced as a result of the war in Sulu, particularly in the municipalities of Indanan, Panamao and other adjacent areas.
“These offensives were conducted by the GRP in the pretext of pursuing the terrorist group, they identified as Abu Sayyaf, to impress the leaders of the APEC that met in Pusan, South Korea few weeks ago.
“For these oppressive attacks, the GRP received accolades from the APEC leaders. The MNLF for its part has been telling the whole world that it has no link to any terrorist group,” said the press statement.
