Misuari: If I Want War, Why Will I Give Away the Element of Surprise?

MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari has assured Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan that the MNLF will not go to war even as Misuari insists that the new peace deal between the Aquino Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) may lead to war.


“I was misunderstood.  What I said was the framework (of peace) might be a recipe for a crisis which may include war,” Misuari said during a meeting with Tan who sought Misuari out Saturday amid concerns that Misuari’s earlier call for war in media may break out first in Sulu Province, the traditional center of power of the MNLF, and its 7,000 forces.

“If I want hostilities to resume, why would I announce it?  A person who understands war knows that the element of surprise is very important; I would have kept silent if that was what my intention was. In fact, I am running for ARMM governor this coming May 2013 polls. I am a politician now, we only want what is good for our people,” Tan quoted Misuari, whose rebel group has been fighting with the Philippine government for decades now, as saying.