A ROMAN Catholic bishop and other priests in Mindanao said they were confused over the suspension of the arrest warrant against Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) founding leader Nur Misuari in connection with the Zamboanga siege in 2013.
“This is a very difficult situation,” said Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad, citing the decision to give Misuari immunity from arrest for six months in order to participate in the peace talks.
He said that could be unacceptable to some since it means delaying justice for the victims of the Zamboanga attacks while the government tries to maintain peace with the rebels.
“Very difficult to accept that in the name of peace, justice can be delayed by not arresting Misuari because he is the MNLF leader with whom the government is having peace talk. I am confused as I remember those who died during Zamboanga seige,” Jumoad said.
He added: “Many died in Zamboanga on Sept. 9 to Oct. 9, 2013. Even Basilan suffered during Zamboanga seige. The damages inflicted by MNLF to Zamboangenos and Basilenos during those black days are irreparable which until now most are displaced because their homes were burned and the government has not given them homes until now.”
For his part, Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said, “Joining the peace talks is good but no peace without justice and love.”
Msgr. Crisologo Manongas of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga said he has mixed feelings.
“I’m really ambivalent about that. On one hand, he (Misuari) has to answer for what he has done as the leader of his group in 2013. On the one hand, it could lead to real ultimate peace for Mindanao,” he said.
He said, “I’m sad because first, justice has to be served. He has to answer for what his people did to the city and the people of Zamboanga. That’s in the side of justice.”
Manongas said peace could be realized without compromising justice.
“I think we can arrive at peace without compromising justice. I hope in the end justice will be served and he would be made to answer for what his people had done. I think that’s the best way. Maybe that can be addressed later… justice to the people who suffered and still have no permanent homes yet,” he said.
The Zamboanga priest said, “It’s a move of the government. Maybe in their own estimation, it could bring lasting peace. Also, I’m thinking of the side of the victims of the war or siege. Many people died, people displaced and were rendered homeless because of that. I think that should also be given justice and not simply forgetting and erasing what happened–that’s not justice.”
Manongas said he was leaving the decision on the government as far as the arrest of the MNLF leader was concerned.
“The word is suspension so it means for meantime its being put on hold for the sake of the peace process and later on maybe they will be made to answer or they will be pardoned. I don’t know… We will wait and see,” he said. (pna)
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