Misuari's endorsement of Duterte not related to peace pact review, aid says

KIDAPAWAN CITY -A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has clarified to public that the recent pronouncements of their chairman, Professor Nur Misuari, is not, in anyway, connected to the ongoing peace agreement reviewbetween their group and the Philippine government. In an interview, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, also chief MNLF negotiator for the MNLF-GRP peace talks, said that he respected Misuari for his position. On Sunday, Misuari spoke to MNLF sympathizers and leaders gathered in Kidapawan City where he asked them to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid. Misuari spoke through a mobile phone patched to a microphone and was heard by hundreds of his supporters during their general assembly held at the JC Complex, here. Each one of us has his own position as to whom to vote,” said Parcasio. When asked if he was surprised to hear Misuari endorsed, for the first time, a presidential candidate, the lawyer said, For the first time, Mindanao people was offered an opportunity of having a President that comes from Mindanao.” For Parcasio, Duterte’s heart is for Mindanao, adding, His finding solution to problems faced by the Moro and the indigenous peoples is proof of his sincerity in public service.” Duterte is offering not only the people of Mindanao but the country, as well, ‘federalism’, which, for MNLF, is a better solution to Moro’s quest for their right to self determination.’