Nur Misuari | |
|---|---|
نُرْ مِسُؤَرِ | |
 Misuari in 2009 | |
| Special Economic Envoy on Islamic Affairs to theOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation | |
| Assumed office December 13, 2019 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte Bongbong Marcos |
| Chair of the Central Committee of theMoro National Liberation Front | |
| Assumed office October 21, 1972 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| President of theBangsamoro Republik Unrecognized | |
| In office August 12, 2013 – September 28, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| 3rdGovernor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao | |
| In office 1996–2001 | |
| Vice Governor | Guimid P. Matalam |
| Preceded by | Lininding Pangandaman |
| Succeeded by | Alvarez Isnaji |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nurallaji Pinang Misuari (1939-03-03)March 3, 1939 (age 86) |
| Party | Bangon (2009–2010) KAMPI (2007–2008) Independent (2001–2007) Lakas–NUCD (1996–2001) |
| Spouse(s) | Desdemona Tan(Deceased) Eleonora Tan Tarhata Ibrahim Maimona Palalisan Subanen woman(Unidentified) Sherry Rahim |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Manila (BA) University of the Philippines Diliman (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Moro National Liberation Front |
| Years of service | 1972–present |
Nur Misuari (Tausug:Nūr Miswāri, bornNurallaji Pinang Misuari; March 3, 1939)[1] is aMoroFilipino revolutionary and politician, founder and leader of theMoro National Liberation Front.[2]
Nur Misuari was born on March 3, 1939, inTapul,Sulu,Philippines.[1][3] The fourth of ten children, he was ofTausūg descent and came from Kabinga-an,Tapul Island. His father was Saliddain Misuari, who worked as a fisherman, and his mother was Dindanghail Pining.[citation needed] Nur Misuari is a direct descendant of Panglima Mahabasser Elidji, a Tausūg warrior and representative from theSultanate of Sulu who he claims helped theSultanate of Brunei forces under SultanMuhyiddin during thecivil war in northernBorneo, after which the eastern part ofSabah was rewarded to the Tausūgs by Sultan Muhyiddin.[4] Misuari's father moved their family from Tapul toJolo,Sulu when he was still young. He attended Jolo Central Elementary School from 1949 to 1955 and studied at Sulu National High School for his secondary education from 1955 to 1958.[1] Misuari's family experienced financial difficulties and could not afford to send him to college. His teacher assisted him to acquire a scholarship from the Commission on National Integration,[5] which allowed him to study at theUniversity of the Philippines, Manila.
Misuari initially took up a degree in liberal arts, intending to pursue medicine. Instead, Misuari shifted his course to political science in his second semester with the intent of taking up law, despite the fact that his father "hated" lawyers.[1] He became active in many of the university's extra-curricular activities, particularly in debate. After attaining his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of the Philippines in 1962, he entered theCollege of Law atUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman but dropped his law studies in his second year after being convinced by his mentor and now national author, Caesar Majul, to pursue a master's degree related to political science. He finished his master's degree in Asian studies in 1964 at theAsian Center of theUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman.[1][5] In 1964, Misuari founded a radical student group called the Bagong Asya (New Asia). Together withJose Maria Sison, he also founded the Kabataan Makabayan (Patriotic Youth).[5]
Until 2016, Misuari had five wives, his first wife was Desdemona Tan, who died of illness inIslamabad,Pakistan.[6] The elder sister of the deceased Desdemona, Eleonora Rohaida Tan then became his second wife. His third and fourth wives are Tarhata Ibrahim and Maimona Palalisan. His fifth wife comes from the tribe ofSubanon, while Sherry Rahim became his sixth wife. As perpolygyny, Islam allows men to marry up to four wives currently alive at the same time, though Misuari already have six wives, this does not include his first wife who has been deceased.[7][better source needed]
Through Cesar Adib Majul, Misuari became a lecturer at the University of the Philippines in political science in July 1966 until his retirement as instructor on November 15, 1968.[1][5]During this tumultuous period, relationships and alliances played a critical role in shaping the events. Tun Mustapha, then Chief Minister of Sabah, shared a common lineage with Sayyid Capt. Kalingalan “Apuh Inggal” Caluang, both tracing their ancestry back to the Sultans of Sulu. This shared heritage fostered a close bond between the two leaders, promoting goodwill and cooperation between their respective territories. With Tun Mustapha’s support, the first cadre of MNLF fighters, including figures like Al Hussein Caluang, received training in Sabah after their time in Luuk, Sulu (now known as Kalingalan Caluang). Nur Misuari, drawn by his distinguished reputation as a professor at the University of the Philippines, became involved with Ansarul Islam. As the movement gained momentum, Nur Misuari eventually assumed leadership of the MNLF, a position that led him to later seek forgiveness from Capt. Kalingalan “Apuh Inggal” Caluang—an act that highlighted the complexities and depth of their shared history.
Nur Misuari also helped establish the Mindanao Independence Movement which aimed to organize an independent state in southern Philippines. The Mindanao Independence Movement formed the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that sought political reforms from the government of the Philippines. Unable to gain reforms, the MNLF engaged in military conflict against the Philippine government and its supporters between 1972 and 1976 under the leadership of Misuari. The military resistance to the government of former Philippine presidentFerdinand Marcos did not produce autonomy for the Moro people. Misuari departed toSaudi Arabia in self-exile, returning to the Philippines after Marcos was removed from office during thePeople Power Revolution in 1986. Misuari justified the MNLF armed struggle on the non-implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, originally signed by Ferdinand Marcos and later included in the peace agreement signed by former Philippine president Fidel Ramos in the 1990s. This agreement established an autonomous region for Moros, where Misuari became governor. Ramos encouraged the involvement of Indonesia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the peace process, which culminated in the Jakarta Agreement of 1996, aimed at fully implementing the Tripoli Agreement. This breakthrough was largely facilitated by Sayyid Al-Hassan Caluang, former OIC Governor of Sulu and grandson of Sayyid Sharif Capt. Kalingalan Caluang, who played a crucial role in arranging meetings between MNLF elders and the Philippine government, providing vital support, including food and logistical assistance. Sayyid Sharif Capt. Kalingalan Caluang, a World War II veteran and advocate for the Bangsamoro cause, was a founding member of Ansarul Islam, alongside key leaders such as Salipada Pendatun and Domocao Alonto. His enduring legacy of leadership laid the foundation for the peace efforts his grandson would continue to advance.[8]
After he was installed as the region's governor in 1996, his rule ended in violence when he led a failed rebellion against the Philippines government in November 2001,[9] thus illegally escaping toSabah,Malaysia.[10] During his time there, his third wife Tarhatta together with their three children were allowed to visit by the Malaysian government.[11] TheMoro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) regional chairman suggested the Malaysian government send Misuari toSaudi Arabia orLibya to avoid "political persecution" by the Philippine government.[11] However the Malaysian leader at the time, Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad resisted by saying; "We cannot entertain asylum as Misuari had not used his powers correctly although we provide support for him in the past for his bid on autonomy that saw the creation of theAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)". He was then deported back to the Philippines,[11][12][13] and removed from his office by PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2001 before being arrested in 2007 on charges of terrorism. On December 20, 2007, he was denied a petition for bail and remained under house arrest in Manila. The Philippine court however, granted the bail petition of Misuari's seven co-accused, at 100,000 pesos.[14] On April 25, 2008, he was allowed to post bail, upon the instructions of the Cabinet security cluster.[15] According to Moro sources, Misuari is a "charismatic leader" who held considerable sway over the indigenous people inMindanao but lost this backing because of his mismanagement and the corruption of his officials during his tenure as governor for the ARMM.[16]
Since the 1970s, there has been an animosity between Moro separatist leaders that resulted in the creation of MILF and other factions of MNLF due to falling-outs with Misuari.[17] His rage towards Malaysia began when the Malaysian government sent him back to the Philippines and supported the MILF on theComprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, which resulted in his dissatisfaction towards Malaysian leaders.[17][18] As a form of revenge to the Malaysian government, he made a controversial statement by stating the Malaysian states ofSarawak and Sabah as part of the Bangsamoro lands between March and July 2013,[19] as well as supporting anintrusion by a self-proclaimed SultanJamalul Kiram III of the now-defunctSultanate of Sulu as legal.[20] As a result, his word had resulted into manyMoro refugees (who have resided in both states since the 1970s to escape thewar in southern Philippines without any legal permission) to bediscriminated and be sent back to the Philippines,[21][22] and caused Misuari to be labeled as a "terrorist" by the Malaysian government (which also had been on effect to the Jamalul Kiram III group).[23][24] Misuari also began to resent the MILF for being "a tool been used by the Malaysian government to promote disunity among the Moro peoples" in which he was then criticized by the MILF for his attitude of "blaming everybody for the failure of his past leadership and growing irrelevance to the Bangsamoro struggle toself-determination".[25]
On September 9, 2013, Misuari was convicted of hisrebels encounter with theArmed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which saw massive casualties and thousands of residents been affected.[26] In denying their action, the MNLF stated they were inZamboanga City only to hold a peaceful rally to assert the implementation of the GRP-MNLF Agreement but they were coerced by the AFP that compelled them to defend their own lives.[27] The AFP and the Philippine government portrayed the MNLF as terrorist as they were causing chaos in the city and using civilians as ahuman shield.[28][29][30] The conflict lasted until September 28, 2013, with more than 50,000 families, comprising 118,000 people (which 23,000 of them are children) lost their homes and many other properties.[27][31] Misuari had since been living inself-exile and insisted that they were attacked by the AFP.[32] The Philippine government has been trying to get him in custody for causing chaos.[33] In 2016, PresidentRodrigo Duterte said that he would drop any previous charges by past administration for the arrest of Misuari due to his old age.[34] The move was also supported by theDepartment of Justice (DoJ).[35] However, in the same year, Misuari again made a controversial proposal by calling the government to include the extreme terrorist-groupAbu Sayyaf in Moro peace talks that was responded with a rejection by the Philippine government and the country armed forces as the group has committed "too many murders to innocent civilians",[36] Duterte also cited that the Abu Sayyaf group had been repeatedly called before to stop their terrorist activities, but the group continued to do so and followed the law that pushed the need for the group to be destroyed.[37][38] Despite Duterte's plans to drop charges against Misuari, the government of Zamboanga City has made a clear stand that they would pursue cases against Misuari for his previous siege in the city as they were obligated to follow the rule of law though they respected the actions of the President according to the city legal officer, Jesus Carbon Jr.[39]
Misuari went on accusing neighboring Malaysia by claiming that Malaysia was using Moro people for kidnappings since the2000 Sipadan kidnappings and said that he wanted to drag the country leaders toInternational Criminal Court (ICC), saying that "the [pieces of] evidence are available as his people are everywhere and Malaysia cannot escape as because they are continuing to hire Moro people".[40] In response to Misuari's accusation, Sabah Chief MinisterMusa Aman urged Misuari to prove his allegation as such claims could strain relations between Malaysia and the Philippines.[41] Malaysian state assemblyman from Senallang ofSemporna Nasir Tun Sakaran also urged Misuari to give his evidence and name any Malaysian politicians who he claimed was involved as any allegation must be accompanied by evidence. In addition to that, as Malaysia has its own laws, they would investigate and condemn the involved suspects immediately if they know their identity.[42] MalaysianDewan Rakyat Deputy SpeakerRonald Kiandee also persuaded Misuari to prove his allegation if his claim was true, whileKinabatangan member of parliamentBung Moktar Radin said he was not surprised by the accusation towards Malaysian politicians as he had seen similar talks occur in Malaysia coffeeshops, but stressed if the allegation was true then the Malaysian authorities must take action on any individuals involved.[43] Meanwhile, the Sabah Suluk Solidarity Council (SSSC) regretted the remarks and urged the Malaysian Embassy in Manila with the help of Philippine government to find out the identity of any Malaysian leaders who were involved in the kidnapping activities.[44] The AFP andPhilippine National Police (PNP) also requested Misuari to present his evidence than only making allegations.[45] Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister's DepartmentShahidan Kassim began investigations to verify claims by Misuari and admitted there could be involvement of certain groups.[46] In response to all questions directed to him, Misuari said he'd present all the evidence only to ICC.[47] He also stated that he wouldn't sit on the same negotiating table with MILF who he described as "traitors", as well accusing fellow MNLF factionMuslimin Sema and ARMM GovernorMujib Hataman of "associating with drug lords and involvement in the2016 Davao City bombing".[47][48] As a response, President Duterte said that he'd be ready to give Misuari group a separate peace talks as Misuari didn't want a similar peace talk with the MILF. The President stated "I will talk to everybody soon after my visit to Malaysia".[49]
Misuari was charged with graft following the "anomalous" bidding of educational materials that was committed between 2000 and 2001 during his term as the governor for the ARMM, amounting to₱137.5 million.[50] He was charged with 3 counts of graft and 3 counts of malversation of non-existent educational materials. According to the charge sheets filed before court by the Office of the Ombudsman on May 22, 2017, and released to media on May 24, Misuari authored the purchase of materials for 3 separate educational projects in the ARMM in 2000 and 2001. All of these materials, according to state investigations, were never delivered.[51]
On May 24. 2024, Misuari, represented by counsel, Ma. Victoria Lim-Florido, was virtually present at thepromulgation of theDecision of theSandiganbayan's Third Division penned by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. He was found guilty of two counts ofgraft but acquitted of two counts ofmalversation and allowed to postBail. The cases originated from the procurement of around P77 million worth ofeducational materials purchased from MBJ Learning Tools and CPR Publishing when he was ARMM governor in 2000 and 2001.[52] On September 17, the Sandiganbayan dismissed Misuari's appeal.[53]
Media related toNur Misuari at Wikimedia CommonsMalaysia's Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai said Mr Misuari and six of his followers were arrested at 3.30 am on Saturday (1930 GMT Friday) on Jampiras island off Sabah state. Manila had ordered his arrest on charges of instigating a rebellion after the government suspended his governorship of an autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao, the ARMM. Although the Philippines has no extradition treaty with Malaysia, the authorities have already made clear that they intend to hand Mr Misuari over to the authorities in Manila as soon as possible. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said before the arrest that, although his country had provided support to the rebel group in the past in its bid for autonomy, Mr Misuari had not used his powers correctly. "Therefore, we no long feel responsible to provide him with any assistance," he said.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
