By Genalyn Kabiling

The shift to federalism must be implemented soon or else Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari might resume the armed struggle against the government, President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday, November 4.

The president made a pitch for federalism while defending his government’s efforts to forge peace with the Muslim rebels and communist guerrillas in the country.

“If you do not get the federal system to work, I assure you, as sure as the sun will rise in the east, babalik iyong komunista (the communists will return), Nur will go back to the mountains,” the president said before a group of lawyers at the Manila Hotel.

“We will have the problem because this time, there is the looming threat of mindless violence without any purpose but to kill: ISIS,” he added, referring to the terrorist group Islamic State that has wreaked havoc over much of Syria and Iraq.

In defense of Misuari

The President also defended his decision to welcome Misuari in Malacañang, saying it was part of advancing the peace process in Mindanao.

“What is wrong to talking to Misuari and embracing him? Eh Moro ako eh (I’m a Moro) and I want to talk to him,” he said.

“Because ang sinabi ko (I said), ‘Nur, we have been fighting for 40 years, do you want another 40 years?’” he added.

On Thursday, Misuari promised to cooperate with the Duterte government’s peace initiatives in Mindanao shortly after a meeting with the president in the Palace.

The former ARMM governor was grateful to Duterte for facilitating his freedom after the court suspended the arrest warrant issued against him. Misuari has long been wanted for the deadly Zamboanga siege in 2013.

“And now I came here, foremost in my mind is how we can help our president finish his job through to the end of his six-year term. Because I know for a fact, he will not abandon his pledge to the people,” Misuari said.

The government plans to craft a “more inclusive” bill promoting the Bangsamoro peace pact after the measure failed to pass during the Aquino administration. The committee assigned to draft the Bangsamoro bill will be expanded to include Misuari and other factions.