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In 1996, the MNLF signed a landmark [[1996 Final Peace Agreement|peace agreement]] with the [[Presidency of Fidel Ramos|Philippine government]] that saw the creation of [[Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM), an area composed of two mainland provinces and three island provinces in which the predominantly Muslim population enjoys a degree of self-rule.<ref name="fr">{{cite web|url=http://archive.adl.org/terror/tu/tu_0404_philippines.html#.VUgNa46qqko|title=The Philippines and Terrorism|publisher=[[Anti-Defamation League]]|date=April 2004|accessdate=May 5, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003152/http://archive.adl.org/terror/tu/tu_0404_philippines.html|archivedate=May 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> [[Nur Misuari]] was installed as the region's governor but his rule ended in violence when he led a failed rebellion against the Philippines government in November 2001,<ref name="fr"/> and fled to [[Sabah]] before being deported back to the Philippines by the [[Malaysia]]n authorities.<ref name="Stanford"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/nur-misuari-seeks-asylum-in-malaysia-1.432876|title=Nur Misuari seeks asylum in Malaysia|author=Barbara Mae Dacanay|publisher=[[Gulf News]]|date=December 20, 2001|accessdate=July 5, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705093519/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/nur-misuari-seeks-asylum-in-malaysia-1.432876|archivedate=July 5, 2014|deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/427980|title=Nur Misuari to be repatriated to stand trial|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=December 20, 2001|accessdate=July 5, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705093825/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/427980|archivedate=July 5, 2014|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
In 1996, the MNLF signed a landmark [[1996 Final Peace Agreement|peace agreement]] with the [[Presidency of Fidel Ramos|Philippine government]] that saw the creation of [[Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM), an area composed of two mainland provinces and three island provinces in which the predominantly Muslim population enjoys a degree of self-rule.<ref name="fr">{{cite web|url=http://archive.adl.org/terror/tu/tu_0404_philippines.html#.VUgNa46qqko|title=The Philippines and Terrorism|publisher=[[Anti-Defamation League]]|date=April 2004|accessdate=May 5, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003152/http://archive.adl.org/terror/tu/tu_0404_philippines.html|archivedate=May 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> [[Nur Misuari]] was installed as the region's governor but his rule ended in violence when he led a failed rebellion against the Philippines government in November 2001,<ref name="fr"/> and fled to [[Sabah]] before being deported back to the Philippines by the [[Malaysia]]n authorities.<ref name="Stanford"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/nur-misuari-seeks-asylum-in-malaysia-1.432876|title=Nur Misuari seeks asylum in Malaysia|author=Barbara Mae Dacanay|publisher=[[Gulf News]]|date=December 20, 2001|accessdate=July 5, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705093519/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/nur-misuari-seeks-asylum-in-malaysia-1.432876|archivedate=July 5, 2014|deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/427980|title=Nur Misuari to be repatriated to stand trial|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=December 20, 2001|accessdate=July 5, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705093825/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/427980|archivedate=July 5, 2014|deadurl=yes}}</ref>


MNLF is internationally recognized by the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC) and its Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States (PUIC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puic.org|title=PUIC|publisher=|accessdate=January 26, 2015}}</ref> Since 1977, the MNLF has been an observer member of the OIC.<ref>[http://www.oic-oci.org/page_detail.asp?p_id=179 List of Observer Members of Organization of Islamic Conference]</ref> On January 30, 2012, MNLF became an observer member of the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), as approved during the 7th PUIC global session held in [[Palembang]], [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mnlfnet.com/BMNews_New/PUOIC%20Approves%20MNLF%20as%20Observer%20in%20Palembang%20Meet.htm|title=PUIC Approved MNLF as Observer in Palembang Meet|publisher=}}</ref>
MNLF is internationally recognized by the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC) and its Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States (PUIC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puic.org|title=PUIC|publisher=|accessdate=January 26, 2015}}</ref> Since 1977, the MNLF has been an observer member of the OIC.<ref>[http://www.oic-oci.org/page_detail.asp?p_id=179 List of Observer Members of Organization of Islamic Conference]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On January 30, 2012, MNLF became an observer member of the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), as approved during the 7th PUIC global session held in [[Palembang]], [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mnlfnet.com/BMNews_New/PUOIC%20Approves%20MNLF%20as%20Observer%20in%20Palembang%20Meet.htm|title=PUIC Approved MNLF as Observer in Palembang Meet|publisher=}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
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OIC, Libya and [[Indonesia]] mediated peace talks which were restarted in 1992. Statements of Understanding and Interim Agreements were made between 1992 and 1996. Jakarta Peace Agreement was signed in 1996.<ref name="Stanford"/>
OIC, Libya and [[Indonesia]] mediated peace talks which were restarted in 1992. Statements of Understanding and Interim Agreements were made between 1992 and 1996. Jakarta Peace Agreement was signed in 1996.<ref name="Stanford"/>


Tensions between the Philippine Government and the MNLF have been fueled by mineral wealth sharing, problems of implementing the peace agreement and the [[Nur Misuari]] faction's ongoing opposition of the peace agreement.<ref name="Stanford"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/03/mnlf-technical-panel-walks-out-in-final-peace-agreement-talks/|title=MNLF technical panel ‘walks out’ in final peace agreement talks|work=Tempo - News in a Flash|accessdate=January 26, 2015}}</ref>
Tensions between the Philippine Government and the MNLF have been fueled by mineral wealth sharing, problems of implementing the peace agreement and the [[Nur Misuari]] faction's ongoing opposition of the peace agreement.<ref name="Stanford"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/03/mnlf-technical-panel-walks-out-in-final-peace-agreement-talks/|title=MNLF technical panel ‘walks out’ in final peace agreement talks|work=Tempo - News in a Flash|accessdate=January 26, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130503163835/http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/03/mnlf-technical-panel-walks-out-in-final-peace-agreement-talks/|archivedate=May 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


In 2015 Nur Misuari rejected reports on the MNLF involvement in the [[North Borneo dispute]] and said only the [[Sultanate of Sulu]] can pursue the negotiations for the [[Sabah]] claim with the [[Malaysia]]n sides. The MNLF has asserted that their group are not involved in any part of the North Borneo dispute and stressing it is a non-issue as Sabah has become the "home-base for different tribal groupings of Muslims from different regions of Southeast Asia that have enjoyed peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]] and [[Christianity in Malaysia|Christian]] populace in the area."<ref name="misuari statement">{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123056/mnlf-denies-talks-with-malaysia-over-sabah|title=MNLF denies talks with Malaysia over Sabah|author=Karlos Manlupig|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=17 May 2015|accessdate=18 May 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517230624/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123056/mnlf-denies-talks-with-malaysia-over-sabah|archivedate=May 17, 2015 |deadurl=yes|quote=Misuari, who is hiding after the hostilities in Zamboanga in 2013, maintains his position that only the [[Sultanate of Sulu]] can pursue the negotiations for the Sabah claim. Respecting the fervent wish of the late Sultan Muhammad [[Jamalul Kiram III]] to let alone the Islamic Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (SSNB) to negotiate peacefully with the Muslim leaders of Malaysia to settle the controversial issue in order not to repeat the March 2013 Lahad Datu, Sabah incident, Chairman Misuari has dismissed the media reports as unfounded and without any ounce of truth involving the MNLF in any level talks. The MNLF, however, asserted that the Sabah case is a non-issue because it is the "home-base for different tribal groupings of Muslims from different regions of Southeast Asia that have enjoyed peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the Chinese and Christian populace in the area.}}</ref>
In 2015 Nur Misuari rejected reports on the MNLF involvement in the [[North Borneo dispute]] and said only the [[Sultanate of Sulu]] can pursue the negotiations for the [[Sabah]] claim with the [[Malaysia]]n sides. The MNLF has asserted that their group are not involved in any part of the North Borneo dispute and stressing it is a non-issue as Sabah has become the "home-base for different tribal groupings of Muslims from different regions of Southeast Asia that have enjoyed peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]] and [[Christianity in Malaysia|Christian]] populace in the area."<ref name="misuari statement">{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123056/mnlf-denies-talks-with-malaysia-over-sabah|title=MNLF denies talks with Malaysia over Sabah|author=Karlos Manlupig|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=17 May 2015|accessdate=18 May 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517230624/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123056/mnlf-denies-talks-with-malaysia-over-sabah|archivedate=May 17, 2015 |deadurl=yes|quote=Misuari, who is hiding after the hostilities in Zamboanga in 2013, maintains his position that only the [[Sultanate of Sulu]] can pursue the negotiations for the Sabah claim. Respecting the fervent wish of the late Sultan Muhammad [[Jamalul Kiram III]] to let alone the Islamic Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (SSNB) to negotiate peacefully with the Muslim leaders of Malaysia to settle the controversial issue in order not to repeat the March 2013 Lahad Datu, Sabah incident, Chairman Misuari has dismissed the media reports as unfounded and without any ounce of truth involving the MNLF in any level talks. The MNLF, however, asserted that the Sabah case is a non-issue because it is the "home-base for different tribal groupings of Muslims from different regions of Southeast Asia that have enjoyed peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the Chinese and Christian populace in the area.}}</ref>

Revision as of 11:42, 13 January 2018

Moro National Liberation Front
Leadersdisputed since 1996 – Nur Misuari (MNLF), Alvarez Isnaji (Isnaji group), Habib Mujahab Hashim (MNLF-ICC), Hadja Bainon Karon (MNLF Women’s Committee), Dimas Pundato (MNLF-RG), Muslimin Sema (EC-15), Hatimil Hassan (EC-15) and Abul Khayr Alonto (MNLF)[1]
Dates of operationOctober 21, 1972 – September 2, 1996 (As a secessionist group)[2] September 2, 1996 – present (As a political organization)
Headquarters
Republic of the Philippines
OpponentsIslamic State Abu Sayyaf

Maute Group

Islamic State Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
Battles and warsMoro conflict
Websitemnlfnet.com

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is a political organization in the Philippines that was founded in 1972.[1][3] It started as a splinter group of the Muslim Independence Movement.[1] The MNLF was the leading organization among Moro separatists for about two decades beginning from the 1970s.[1]

In 1996, the MNLF signed a landmark

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), an area composed of two mainland provinces and three island provinces in which the predominantly Muslim population enjoys a degree of self-rule.[4] Nur Misuari was installed as the region's governor but his rule ended in violence when he led a failed rebellion against the Philippines government in November 2001,[4] and fled to Sabah before being deported back to the Philippines by the Malaysian authorities.[1][5][6]

MNLF is internationally recognized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and its Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States (PUIC).[7] Since 1977, the MNLF has been an observer member of the OIC.[8] On January 30, 2012, MNLF became an observer member of the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), as approved during the 7th PUIC global session held in Palembang, Indonesia.[9]

Background

The Philippine government wanted to encourage migration of landless Christians from other parts of the country in a so-called Homestead Program (1903–1973). There was no land titling system by the natives of Mindanao at that time, and the Christian settlers exploited the situation. Lanao and Cotabato received an influx of migrants from Luzon and Visayas. Tensions between Moros and Christians were caused by disputes about land ownership and disenfranchisement of Muslims. The Homestead Program is one of the root-causes of the Moro conflict.[10][11]

Poverty, grievances of the Muslim population, weak rule of law and difficult terrain have made counterterrorism challenging against insurgents in the Southern Philippines.[12]

On March 18, 1968 there was an

Corregidor Island.[13][14] There has been a long-standing allegation that Malaysia provided the initial training and arming of the first batch of MNLF cadres known as "Top 90" in 1969.[15] Likewise, it has also been alleged that Malaysia was either seemingly ignorant or tolerated the illicit arms shipments, mainly from the Middle East, flowing into Mindanao that fueled the insurgency.[16]

The founder and former leader of the MNLF is Nur Misuari.[1] The MNLF was founded as a splinter group of the Muslim Independence Movement on October 21, 1972.[1]

MNLF officially claims that its ideology is

Islamic splinter group the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.[17]

Leadership and splits

The MNLF was the leading organization among Moro separatists for about two decades beginning from the 1970s. However, discontent on Nur Misuari's leadership caused the group to unravel especially after the 1996 peace agreement. Integration of former rebels in the society was also a factor in the weakening. At the present there are multiple competing factions. For instance, Hadja Bainon Karon's faction supported peace deal in 2012, after Nur Misuari had criticized it.[1][18][19][20] There was also a case of defections of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters to MNLF.[21] As of 14 August 2015, the current chairman of the group is uncertain and the sources, including Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Philippine Government, disagree. Nur Misuari still has support among some of the factions.[1]

Many splits followed tribal affiliation.

child soldiers in the conflict.[22]

Peace talks

Libyan and Muammar Gaddafi's mediation resulted in the Tripoli Agreement on December 23, 1976. It would have established an autonomous region and given Moros influence on foreign policy, military, education, courts, and finances. Areas such as Basilan, Palawan and Sulu would have been included in the autonomous region. The plans failed due to president Ferdinand Marcos' decision to hold a referendum on each area that was to be included in the autonomous region. Most of the regions did not have a Muslim majority. The referendums however did influence Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by creating its predecessors. MNLF decided to continued armed struggle.[1]

The MNLF shifted from demands of full independence to autonomy in the 1980s. In 1986 a ceasefire and attempts to have a peace agreement were made, but they failed.[1]

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was established in 1989, despite opposition from the MNLF.[1]

OIC, Libya and Indonesia mediated peace talks which were restarted in 1992. Statements of Understanding and Interim Agreements were made between 1992 and 1996. Jakarta Peace Agreement was signed in 1996.[1]

Tensions between the Philippine Government and the MNLF have been fueled by mineral wealth sharing, problems of implementing the peace agreement and the Nur Misuari faction's ongoing opposition of the peace agreement.[1][23]

In 2015 Nur Misuari rejected reports on the MNLF involvement in the North Borneo dispute and said only the Sultanate of Sulu can pursue the negotiations for the Sabah claim with the Malaysian sides. The MNLF has asserted that their group are not involved in any part of the North Borneo dispute and stressing it is a non-issue as Sabah has become the "home-base for different tribal groupings of Muslims from different regions of Southeast Asia that have enjoyed peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the Chinese and Christian populace in the area."[24]

European Union and the United States do not use the classification of "terrorist" for the MNLF.[25]

Zamboanga City crisis

Zamboanga City hall pictured

In 2013, the Nur Misuari faction of the MNLF declared independence for the Bangsamoro Republik and attacked Zamboanga City. During the MNLF standoff with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the group was accused by the Philippines of using civilians as human shields,[26] thus leading the Philippine government to label them terrorists.[27][28][29][30] The State Department of the United States included a mention of the siege in its report on "East Asia and Pacific Overview".[31]

Flag

Flag of the MNLF without inscriptions.

The Moro National Liberation Front makes use of a flag consist of a golden yellow star and crescent and a

shahadah on the star and crescent exists. The flag was also used for the Bangsamoro Republik, a widely unrecognized state declared by the group.[32]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Daniel Cassman (August 14, 2015). "Moro National Liberation Front". Mapping Militant Organizations - Stanford university.
  2. ^ http://www.gov.ph/1996/09/02/final-peace-agreement-with-the-mnlf-september-2-1996/
  3. ^ "Focus on the Philippines". Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  4. ^ a b "The Philippines and Terrorism". Anti-Defamation League. April 2004. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Barbara Mae Dacanay (December 20, 2001). "Nur Misuari seeks asylum in Malaysia". Gulf News. Archived from the original on July 5, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "Nur Misuari to be repatriated to stand trial". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. December 20, 2001. Archived from the original on July 5, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "PUIC". Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  8. ^ List of Observer Members of Organization of Islamic Conference[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "PUIC Approved MNLF as Observer in Palembang Meet".
  10. ^ dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA406868
  11. .
  12. ^ "Terrorism Havens: Philippines". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  13. ^ Marites Dañguilan Vitug; Glenda M. Gloria (March 18, 2013). "Jabidah and Merdeka: The inside story". Rappler. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. (March 28, 1968). "Jabidah! Special Forces of Evil?". Delivered at the Legislative Building, Manila, on March 28, 1968. Government of the Philippines. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. .
  16. .
  17. ^ "Asia Times Online :: Moro leader looks for united front". Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  18. ^ "MNLF official appeals for support for peace deal". philstar.com. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  19. ^ "Abu splits into smaller groups, says MNLF official". philstar.com. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  20. ^ "Misuari to Abu Sayyaf: Enough, we cannot tolerate you forever". Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  21. ^ "Al Jazeera reports exodus of MILF members to MNLF". ABS-CBN News.
  22. ^ UN Security Council Report, 23 April 2010
  23. ^ "MNLF technical panel 'walks out' in final peace agreement talks". Tempo - News in a Flash. Archived from the original on May 3, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Karlos Manlupig (May 17, 2015). "MNLF denies talks with Malaysia over Sabah". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015. Misuari, who is hiding after the hostilities in Zamboanga in 2013, maintains his position that only the Sultanate of Sulu can pursue the negotiations for the Sabah claim. Respecting the fervent wish of the late Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Kiram III to let alone the Islamic Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (SSNB) to negotiate peacefully with the Muslim leaders of Malaysia to settle the controversial issue in order not to repeat the March 2013 Lahad Datu, Sabah incident, Chairman Misuari has dismissed the media reports as unfounded and without any ounce of truth involving the MNLF in any level talks. The MNLF, however, asserted that the Sabah case is a non-issue because it is the "home-base for different tribal groupings of Muslims from different regions of Southeast Asia that have enjoyed peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the Chinese and Christian populace in the area. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ "Moro National Liberation Front". Mapping Militant Organizations.
  26. ^ (video). October 24, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6TFEP9UzRw. {{cite AV media}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  27. ^ Carmela Lapeña; Amita Legaspi (September 9, 2013). "MNLF attacks Zambo City, using 20 hostages as 'human shields;' six killed". Reuters. GMA News. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  28. ^ Titus Calauor; Benjie Vergara; Al Jacinto (September 11, 2013). "Human shields beg for help". Agence France Presse. The Manila Times. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. (PDF). Philippine Senate. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  30. ^ http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/08/14/13/misuari-declares-independence
  31. ^ "Chapter 2. Country Reports: East Asia and Pacific Overview". U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State. 2013.
  32. ^ Petalcorin, John Remollo. "FAQ About MNLF". Voice from the Resistance. Retrieved December 26, 2013. [unreliable source?]

Further reading

External links

Template:Moro internal issues