Fighting for Peace in the Philippines: VICE News Interviews Nur Misuari

Summary

The video script details an interview with Nur Misuari, the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front, who discusses his life and the fight for independence in the southern Philippines. Despite past peace agreements and his role as a former governor, Misuari has been in hiding since 2013, accused of leading a deadly siege. He denies involvement and speaks of his commitment to his people's freedom, even grooming his son to continue the struggle. The script also touches on the challenges of the region, including the notorious Abu Sayyaf group and the influence of external powers.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Chairman Nur Misuari is the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a separatist group in the southern Philippines that fought against the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
• 🕊️ Misuari signed a peace deal with the Philippine government in 1996 and was elected governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, but the peace deal was never fully implemented.
• 🔍 Misuari has been in hiding since 2013 due to suspicions of leading a deadly siege in Zamboanga City, which resulted in over 300 deaths.
• 🚢 The journey to Misuari's location is described as dangerous and involves a 10-hour boat trip through areas known for military presence and previous bombings.
• ⚔️ The region is home to private armies, criminal groups, and is currently the center of a military offensive, making it one of the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia.
• 🗣️ Misuari claims to have been cut off from the 2013 siege in Zamboanga and denies being behind it, attributing the conflict to other conspirators.
• 🤝 Despite accusations and a warrant for his arrest, Misuari believes a solution is forthcoming and that those responsible for the Zamboanga siege are nearing political ends.
• 👥 Misuari has groomed his eldest son to continue the fight for independence, emphasizing a commitment to the cause beyond his own life.
• 👮‍♂️ There is a division within the Moro community and uprising, which critics argue makes finding peace difficult.
• 👑 Misuari views his people as the 'Unconquered nation of the world,' having defeated various foreign powers throughout history.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 On a personal level, Misuari shares details about his family life, having four wives and numerous children and grandchildren, attributing his happiness and health to them.

Q & A

Who is Nur Misuari and what is his significance in the southern Philippines?

Nur Misuari is a Muslim rebel leader who founded the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). He is significant for leading the separatist group against the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos and fighting for the independence of the Muslim people in the southern Philippines.

What was the outcome of the peace deal signed between the MNLF and the Philippine government in 1996?

The peace deal signed in 1996 led to Misuari being elected governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. However, the peace deal was never fully implemented, leading to ongoing conflict and Misuari going into hiding since 2013.

Why is Misuari suspected of leading a deadly siege in Zamboanga City?

Misuari has been in hiding since 2013 because he is suspected of leading a deadly siege in Zamboanga City that left more than 300 people dead. There is a pending warrant for his arrest in connection with this event.

What is the current situation in the area where Misuari is hiding?

The area where Misuari is hiding is described as one of the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia, with a permanent military presence, private armies, criminal groups, and a history of being targeted by armed groups. It is also currently the center of a military offensive.

What are the challenges faced by the Philippine military in the region?

The Philippine military faces challenges such as the rising number of kidnappings, the presence of notorious criminal groups like the Abu Sayyaf, and the difficulty of negotiating with multiple different armed groups in the region.

What does Misuari believe about the unity of the Moro people?

Misuari believes that the Moro people are united as a nation and as a people. He asserts that despite facing colonial rule and various challenges, they have always been united and have never been conquered.

How does Misuari view his role and the role of the MNLF in the ongoing conflict?

Misuari views his role and the MNLF as fighting for the freedom of the Moro people. He has promised his people and has a covenant with God to spend the rest of his life in this fight, even grooming his eldest son to take over when his life comes to an end.

What is Misuari's stance on the accusation that he was behind the siege in Zamboanga in 2013?

Misuari denies being behind the siege in Zamboanga in 2013. He claims he was in the mountains and cut off from the event, entrusting all responsibilities and decisions to the commanders in the field.

How does Misuari describe his life and the factors contributing to his longevity?

Misuari describes his life as being rich in experiences and having a good family life with multiple wives and children. He believes that his age is determined by his health and the happiness he receives from his family.

What is Misuari's view on the influence of external groups like ISIS in the region?

Misuari does not believe that ISIS has a presence in the region. He suggests that the Abu Sayyaf group is trying to hide their crimes behind the name of ISIS, but he does not know much about them or their intentions.