Mainstream MNLF to seek China, Russia endorsement for Mindanao independence

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — The mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) proposed during the Mindanao state of the nation consultative conference to seek the endorsement of China or Russia for the declaration of Mindanao independence submitted to the United Nations (UN) for deliberation.

An MNLF field commander told the DAILY TRIBUNE that the endorsement of either China or Russia would elevate the status of the proposed Federal Republic of Mindanao to belligerent status, paving the way for the deployment of a peacekeeping force and the conduct of a UN-sponsored referendum.

The commander, who requested anonymity, said the endorsement of China or Russia would revive the 1986 declaration of independence, which was already submitted to the United Nations but lacked recognition from any UN member country.

On Monday, during the consultative conference at the Jonel Hall in this city, the MNLF submitted a resolution abandoning armed struggle and joined the call for Mindanao independence through peaceful means using what they called the “Kosovo model.”

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesman, described the Kosovo model as a series of consultations eventually leading to a declaration of independence before the United Nations.

“Armed struggle is already obsolete. We join the call for independence peacefully using the Kosovo model, allowing the United Nations to conduct a plebiscite and let the people decide,” he told 100 delegates from Maguindanao, North and South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Lanao del Sur.

He said war is no longer an option for the MNLF, noting that founding chairman Nur Misuari has already declared the independence of the Bangsamoro Republic (BMR), which comprises Mindanao and Sulu.

“Armed struggle is already obsolete, as proven in Syria and other countries. We will adopt the peaceful strategy used by Kosovo in attaining self-rule,” he said.

Fontanilla was referring to Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia declared the move illegal and sought international validation from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled that the declaration did not violate international law.

Misuari declared the independence of Mindanao in 2013 after then-President Benigno Aquino III terminated peace talks during the final review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The MNLF flag was hoisted in Davao City as the start of the campaign to gain recognition from the international community.

Misuari has declared Davao City as the capital of the BMR.

A second attempt to raise the flag in Zamboanga City was foiled when government forces intercepted an MNLF contingent from Sulu, triggering three weeks of fighting between government forces and the MNLF.

The Mindanao-wide consultative forum was organized to allow Mindanaons to come up with a unified stand on the current state of the country, which organizers said has practically isolated Mindanao from national political development.

The series of meetings was held in Zamboanga City for Western Mindanao and in Sultan Kudarat for Central Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Caraga region, and Northern Mindanao.

The consultative conferences will culminate in the first week with a major manifesto and resolution to be declared in Zamboanga City.

The original declaration was spearheaded by the late lawyer Reuben Canoy, who led a convention in 1986.

The movement could be revived if an independent country such as China or Russia recognizes Mindanao’s independence, which could elevate its status to a belligerent entity under international law.