Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari speaking at the Davao MNLF Peace Summit...

Bangsamoro News Agency 25 May 2008   DAVAO CITY, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES -  The Chairman of the MNLF called on the Arroyo government to transform its Mindanao-based Armed Forces of the Philippines elements into soldiers of peace, and to stop their war-like activities in Mindanao. In an hour and 10  minutes speech to mammoth crowd, majority of them clad in full military uniforms, with MNLF patches and bringing banners and placards, this sea of humanity listened attentively. They were the soldiers of peace of the MNLF.

“Let us ask Her Excellency President Arroyo, defense Secretary Teodoro and all other military commanders to transform their soldiers here overnight into soldiers of peace,” said Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari, adding that they should cease their war-like activities in our Homeland.

The sole and legitimate leader of the MNLF proves once again his charismatic magnetism as a crowd-drawer whose participants to a daylong Summit for Peace held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges ground yesterday came from all corners of Mindanao. “A conservative estimate of participants reached to over 50,000,” said Atty. Bong Parcasio, a legal adviser of the MNLF and a member of the Davao-based Summit organizers. “It was far beyond our expectations,” he added.

Misuari’s influence as a people’s leader and a revolutionary icon traverses geographic, ethnic, religious and political boundaries of the region. “It’s unprecedented,” said Reverend Absalom Cervesa, a priest and a member of the parliament of the MNLF government, adding that no other ideologues or political leaders in the history of this southern part of the country can have the charisma to gather Muslims, Christians and Highlanders alike such as the one happening now in Mindanao’s premier city – Davao.

These soldiers of peace journeyed as a caravan as early as May 20. Participants coming from island provinces of Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan and Zamboanga peninsula traveled by jeeps, cars, vans and buses from Zamboanga City. They were joined by fellow peace advocates from Lanao region. Together with other participants from Northern Mindanao provinces, and those from South Cotabato, Saranggani,  Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao,  Sharif Kabunsuan, and North Cotabato, their transit rendezvous was Davao del Sur’s Digos City, where they were joined by those coming from Davao del Sur and other neighboring communities.

In the early morning of May 24, the 50,000 of them soldiers of peace, carrying banners, placards and streamers, manifesting their collective desire for comprehensive peace and development, marched around the city of Davao starting from Magsaysay Park to the venue. The local government authorities and the military establishment where the caravan passed by were quiet alarmed by  enormous number of unarmed   men clad in fatigues and other military uniforms. They came to Davao not for war.

Chairman Misuari emphasizes his dislike for war, and renews at the same time his appeal for total peace. “Let’s put an end to war,” he said. All his military commanders, the Chairmen of the State Committees and all other officials of the MNLF were with him, testifying their undying loyalty and solid support to his  leadership and vision.

His better-half Roida Tan Misuari, the chair of the National  Women’s Committee revealed her husband’s vision in her inspirational message to the Summit. “When Chairman Misuari started this liberation struggle, I know deep in his heart’s heart, is to ensure a bright and prosperous future for our youth, for our next generation, and the generations yet to come,” she said. This is the  standing policy of the MNLF, she added, more so concomitant with our commitment to peace… and we shall never, ever, waver from that stand, Insha-Allah.

Likened to a basketball game, “the Summit  today is a 3 point shot of Brother Nur,” said Ustaz Tominoray Angni, the Chief Commander of the Satellite Command 2 of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces based in Lanao region. He and his fellow commanders from Lanao like Cmdr. Abduljabbar “Narra” Panontongan, the Deputy Chief of Staff of BAF,   led a contingent  of 5,000 men.

Ordinary hoi polloi also thronged to the Summit for Peace. Rolli Kuten, a trisikad driver, decided to stop working for few days so as to be in Davao city as well so as to have picture with the  MNLF leader.  “I want to show it to my children because Misuari is my President, and today’s Summit is history,” he said.

The Summit for Peace of the MNLF was graced by Davao City’s Vice Mayor Inday Sarah Duterte, the daughter of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.