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.

Outlines

00:00

🏹 'The Unconquered Nation': Misuari's Struggle for Independence

In the first paragraph, the script introduces Nur Misuari, a Muslim rebel leader who founded the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the southern Philippines. Misuari, who fought against the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos, discusses his life in hiding since 2013 due to suspicions of leading a deadly siege in Zamboanga City. The script describes the dangerous journey to Misuari's camp, the presence of child soldiers, and Misuari's reflections on his past as a rebel and his commitment to the independence of his people, despite the challenges and the peace deal of 1996 that was never fully implemented.

05:01

🗡 Misuari's Covenant with Freedom and Legacy

The second paragraph delves into Misuari's unwavering commitment to the freedom of his people, as he has made a covenant with God to fight for their independence. Despite the accusations and a warrant for his arrest related to the Zamboanga siege, Misuari denies involvement and discusses the autonomy of the MNLF commanders. He also touches on the unity of the Moro people and the historical context of their struggle against colonial rule, expressing his determination to uphold the legacy of his people as an unconquered nation.

10:01

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 'The Unconquerable People': Misuari's Personal Life and Outlook

In the final paragraph, the script focuses on Misuari's personal life, including his family and his views on health and happiness. He discusses his multiple wives and children, and how they contribute to his well-being. Misuari also addresses the broader issues of justice, peace, and freedom in the region, his willingness to help with the kidnapping situation involving the Abu Sayyaf group, and his thoughts on ISIS's presence in the area. The paragraph concludes with Misuari's stance on the upcoming elections and his outlook for the next five years, emphasizing his dedication to his people's cause.

Keywords

💡Misuari

Misuari refers to Nur Misuari, the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a separatist group in the southern Philippines. He is a central figure in the video, representing the struggle for independence and self-determination of the Moro people. The script mentions his historical significance, his current situation in hiding, and his role in past and present conflicts.

💡MNLF

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is a separatist group that has been fighting for the independence of the Moro people in the southern Philippines. In the video, the MNLF is depicted as a key player in the region's political and military landscape, with Misuari as its leader and the group's activities being central to the video's narrative.

💡Zamboanga Siege

The Zamboanga Siege refers to a conflict in 2013 where over 300 people were killed. Misuari is suspected of leading this siege, which is a significant event in the video as it led to his current status of being in hiding and having a warrant for his arrest.

💡Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

The ARMM is a region in the southern Philippines that was established as part of a peace deal. Misuari was once elected governor of this region, indicating a political role he played in the region's governance. The script mentions this to highlight his involvement in the political process as well as the challenges of peace agreements in the region.

💡Abu Sayyaf

Abu Sayyaf is a notorious criminal group in Southeast Asia, known for kidnappings and violence. In the video, the group is mentioned in the context of the dangerous environment in which Misuari's camp is located, illustrating the broader security challenges in the region.

💡Colonialism

Colonialism is the theme of foreign powers controlling and exploiting other territories. In the video, Misuari discusses the historical context of colonial rule imposed on the Moro people, which is a driving force behind the MNLF's fight for independence.

💡Elections

The script mentions the election season in the Philippines, which adds to the complexity and tension of the situation. Elections are a significant event that can influence the political landscape and the prospects for peace in the region.

💡Independence

Independence is a central theme in the video, representing the MNLF's goal of self-governance for the Moro people. Misuari's life work and the MNLF's struggle are framed around the pursuit of this independence.

💡Coexistence

Coexistence in the video refers to the current state of non-conflict between the MNLF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Misuari describes this as a peaceful arrangement that allows both sides to avoid confrontation.

💡Unconquered Nation

The term 'Unconquered Nation' is used by Misuari to describe the resilience and strength of the Moro people throughout history. It signifies their ability to resist and overcome various foreign powers, which is a point of pride and a driving force behind their ongoing struggle.

💡ISIS

ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is mentioned in the context of its potential influence or presence in the region. Misuari denies their presence and influence, distinguishing between the MNLF's goals and the aims of ISIS.

Highlights

Nur Misuari, the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front, discusses his decades-long fight for independence in the southern Philippines.

Misuari claims his group has never been defeated, having fought against the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Americans, and Japanese.

Despite a 1996 peace deal, Misuari has been in hiding since 2013 due to allegations of leading a deadly siege in Zamboanga City.

The journey to Misuari's camp is fraught with danger, involving a 10-hour boat ride through territory known for kidnappings and violence.

Misuari's camp is in a lawless area, home to private armies, criminal groups, and the target of ongoing military offensives.

Child soldiers as young as 13 are present in Misuari's camp, many of whom have never attended school and were born into war.

Misuari denies being behind the 2013 Zamboanga siege and believes a political solution to his situation is forthcoming.

Misuari pledges to continue fighting for the freedom of his people, even grooming his eldest son to take over when he is gone.

Despite being in self-imposed exile, Misuari maintains control over the MNLF and its commanders on the ground.

Misuari criticizes the Philippine government for not fully implementing the 1996 peace agreement and dividing the Moro people.

Misuari believes the Moro people are united and have always been one nation, despite external attempts to divide them.

Misuari recounts his early life as a rebel, being compared to Yasser Arafat, and receiving support from Libya and Malaysia.

Misuari discusses his personal life, including his four wives and 15 children and grandchildren, and how they keep him happy.

Misuari expresses his willingness to help the Philippine military address the kidnapping situation involving the Abu Sayyaf group.

Misuari downplays the presence and threat of ISIS in the region, stating he does not know much about them.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Misuari does not express a clear preference for president or vice president, focusing instead on peace in his homeland.

Misuari reflects on his age and health, stating that age is determined by one's well-being and the number of wives one has.

Transcripts

never has single nation defeated as we

defeated the Portuguese we defeated the

Dutch in a series of war we defeated the

British we wiped them out we've repeated

Americans real age is how healthy you

are how many wives you have a move like

that all my reflections thermos War II

is a Muslim rebel leader who founded the

more National Liberation Front in the

southern Philippines the separatist

group fought against the dictatorial

regime of former President Ferdinand

Marcos the Yemeni Left signed the peace

deal with the Philippine government in

1996 he was elected governor of the

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but

that peace deal was never fully

implemented Misuari has been in hiding

since 2013

that's because he's suspected of leading

a deadly siege in some Wonga City that

left more than 300 people dead Misuari

invited me to visit his camps but

getting there was easier said than done

so we've just left the hotel we are now

on our way to the port to begin a

10-hour journey to get to the island

that's where chairman Nur Misuari has

been holed up over the last two years

so this is far from your typical cruise

ship ferry it's packed it's hot there's

also a permanent military presence and

almost every single boats because it's

been targeted by so many armed groups

has been bombed several times

her law is one of the most dangerous

places in Southeast Asia and has long

been off-limits to outsiders

it's home to private armies and criminal

groups and is currently the center of a

military offensive tourists have been

kidnapped

and even killed by the notorious

criminal group the Abu Sayyaf what makes

the situation even more difficult now is

the timing it's election season and

electoral violence is high here it's one

of the most dangerous places in the

country kidnapping of incidents are at

its highest and then it's a no-go zone

for journalists so we're finally inside

the main camp of the more National

Liberation Front where the elusive

chairman Norma's worry is holed up

while waiting for nor we got a chance to

meet some of his troops these boys are

between 13 to 17 they live in this area

the eminent stronghold most of them are

not even to burn school they were born

and raised in war they know how to fight

but a lot of them say they have an

instant weapon or finally made his

appearance in a long time you know I had

how are you advised 95 how is your

situation here I think it is excellent

because we are observing what we call

coexistence Bremen here so the Armed

Forces don't touch us neither do we make

any attempt to touch them I think it's

working nicely because you are able to

preserve the peace in this part of the

world you have the most colorful life in

Muslim moral history you led the

rebellion in early 1970s you've started

that you were considered a Yasser Arafat

of Asia you were helped and funded by

Muhammad Duffy and also to a certain

degree Malaysia you were and still is

influential however you've started your

life as a rebel and in your 70s now you

are still fighting for independence

are you the tire the

you've been doing this for decades no I

have promised my people and also I have

entered into some kind of a unilateral

covenant with their mighty God that I

will spend the rest of my life fighting

for the freedom of my people

and there is no end to that and I have

already groomed

my eldest son to take over even when you

know life would come to its natural end

and your situation here where you have

been under what we call self-imposed

attention there's a pending warrant for

your arrest because they said that you

were behind the siege in Zamboanga do

you see this clearing anytime soon

I think the solution to this is

forthcoming in Seoul law because the

people who connive and conspired to you

know cause or bring about that tragic

war are I think now in the process of

coming to the end politically so you're

saying you were not behind it at all the

siege in Zamboanga in 2013 they are

accusing you of being behind it you deny

that you were behind that I was in the

mountains and I come not here in the

other side of the mountains

I was absolutely cut off from that war

here we entrust all responsibilities all

decisions to our commanders in the field

we don't interfere because we don't like

to commit mistakes in our decision but

you have control over the MNLF you

you're saying that the commands are in

charge of what they do that cannot be

denied because the people are very

faithful to me even while I was in

prison

they continued every time government

provoke war on them see series of all

very successful defense now anyway the

important thing Aires about the final

peace agreement this is

sorry thing about it they want to

destroy this agreement the difficulty

for any Philippine government is to

negotiate with so many different groups

now there's the mi LF there's a MNLF the

criticism though is that even within the

moral community and the moral uprising

you are divided and that's why they say

it's hard to find peace and your sister

don't enter this that's a that's a nice

question or nice idea but the thing here

is basically we are united as a nation

as a people we have always been united

as one but you know we are facing what

we call a colonial malou philippines of

Ament had imposed treacherously imposed

their colonial rule on us on July 4 1946

what right do they have they don't have

right whatsoever to claim honors about

this no our people in the world that

they were conquered our nation here and

I want to promise you I will continue to

the end of my life to sustain the good

name of my people what they are the

Unconquered nation of the world they

tried to come into your camp and issue

to you the pending warrant of your

arrest no no no do you think they would

ever attempt no no do you because I know

what I can understand is even some of

these senior officers in the unpossible

Philippines and police they don't have

any heart and able to make war on them

development how can you defeat any

people who have been here it'ld nearly

500 years of war and never has single

nation defeated us we defeated the

Portuguese we defeated the Dutch in a

series of war we defeated the British we

wipe them out with repeated Americans we

defeated the Japanese now Filipinos can

you imagine them defeating the morosely

my

the unconquerable people of the world

impossible how do you see your life in

the next so five years or so you're not

young anymore in terms of age your age

is how healthy you are how many wives

you have how many wives do you have

well I have I think I prepared my

requirements as a Muslim how do you keep

yourself fit it's a size and talk to my

wives they make me happy all the time

and my children too

how many wives do you have I have four

how many children do you have that you

know of I have let me six plus three

that's a nine

you see then I have 11 grandchildren I

will get tired

only after I shall have one justice for

my people there is no justice here there

is no peace there's no freedom the

Philippine military is facing so many

challenges one of which is really the

rising number of kidnappings how far are

you willing to help them in terms of

going after the Abu Sayyaf and helping

with the kidnap situation we have you

know most of those who were released

before when I was ill abroad

well my work I was pressured by the late

King has an attorney of Morocco so the

release of those ladies from Spain

nurses the release of some engineers

from India and also the release of the

German there were German American

citizenship I was behind all of that how

big of a threat is Isis here here I I

don't we can talk about that they had no

presence here I don't know much about

them their origin Abu Sayyaf is just

trying to hide their crime behind him I

don't know of their presence at all and

I don't know exactly what they are after

what they are fighting for you see

anyway by the wisdom of the Almighty God

we

you put us in this most isolated part of

the e Stephanie everyone to remain as

isolated as ever rather than be

embroiled in this troubled world were

you supporting for the elections who's

your president and vice president we say

you support the 33 go to 13 I think is

the only I don't mind about Madonna

Bisaya solution I'm only concerned for

the moment with the peace here in our

homeland

who's your vice president boom boom

Marcos Weiss Bongo your vice president

isn't his father

it was my number-one enemy yes his

father his father was the cause of the

Muslim rebellion that job' the massacre

happened and there is fool I am a Muslim

the fault of the father cannot be

inherited by the Sun neither the father

can be accused of developed wrongdoings

of his son I am a Muslim