Muslimin Sema, the reinstalled chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), has vowed his group’s continued collaboration and support to the government’s peace effort in the south.
The assurance was made by Sema and other officials of the MNLF during a courtesy call on Wednesday to Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr.
Sema reassumed the leadership of one of the factions of the MNLF after the death of Yusoph Jikiri, also a former member of the House of Representatives.
The former secessionist group, which entered into a peace agreement with the government during the term of former President Fidel Ramos, was founded by Nur Misuari, who still serve as the titular head of its main group.
“We are here to revive and continue the program of the MNLF to support the anti-kidnapping efforts of the government,” Sema said during his group’s meeting with Vinluan.
“We commit to continuously collaborate with and support to the Philippine government for the attainment of lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region,” he added.
While at the Westmincom, a Government of the Philippines-MNLF meeting took place and it was attended by 18 MNLF leaders and members under Sema, Westmincom staff under Vinluan and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group Action Officer.
The Westmincom welcomed the assurance of the MNLF’s collaboration with the government in its peace effort in Mindanao.
“Let us continue to work together for our common goal that is to win the genuine peace for the Bangsamoro people,” Vinluan said.
Sema’s group included MNLF’s Vice Chairman for Foreign Affairs Hatimil Hassan, Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Romeo Sema (the younger brother of chairman Sema) and Vice Chairman for Military Affairs Abakil Jikiri during the visit.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) neutralized an Abu Sayyaf Group member who has been involved in kidnapping activities since 2016.
AKG director Brig. Gen. Jonel Estomo reported to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas that Jupuri Dais, alias Jupuri Nabua, was killed during the service of a warrant at Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte following a shootout.
Estomo said the suspect fired at a composite police team that was sent by a court to serve a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Dais was a member of an ASG sub-unit under Almujir Yadah, Estomo said.
He was also a former member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front before his involvement in the operations of the ASG.
Dais was also being sought by the AKG for his alleged involvement in a series of kidnapping incidents in Mindanao particularly the kidnapping of Martina Yee in 2016, the Duterte Couple in 2017, and Ruda Couple and Javier Family in 2018.