MNLF commander airs sentiment
over Misuari's unilateral decision

Datu Randy Karon (right), leader of Moro National Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro warriors in Central Mindanao, shows one of his high-powered firearms at Camp Watamama Silongan-II in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Joseph Zosobrado, Net 25

A top moro leader based in Central Mindanao said Prof. Nur Misuari cannot make a unilateral decision for the destiny of the Bangsamoro people.

Datu Randy Karon, leader the Moro National Liberation Front forces in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, made the pronouncement early this week.

Commander Karon has been in conflict with Jing Caludtiag, also a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front since March 2009.

The conflict has already claimed several lives on both sides and displaced thousands of people in the towns in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

"He (Misuari) should involve us. After all, we are freedom fighters. We fought for this cause, we fought for the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people," he said.

Now we have the peace agreement with the government and then he (Misuari) will just decide for the destiny of the Bangsamoro people alone, no! That can't happen, we will always oppose him but we still recognize him as the chairman of the MNLF," he pointed.

Karon, however, said Nur Misuari is still considered as their leader in the organization, stressing that they do not disown the MNLF founder.

"In fact, we have that high respect on him, but you know in an organization like us, you can't evade some sort of mental conflict, belief. I think that's the only thing we differ now."

He further said that there is no personal conflict between him and the old man, as it is only a matter of technical problem.

Dismissing a report that he already split from the MNLF and he formed his own group, Commander Karon sai he is still an MNLF and that MNLF is Nur Misuari.

"You can't prevent some circumstances that the group has also this internal problem but this is a problem within our organization. We will settle this once and for all but you know because of my problem can't see and talk to the old man (Misuari)," he added.

According to him, there are moments that they have opposed Misuari's idea because he is not a perfect man.

In fact, Karon said they have been doing some initiative and effort with the group to reconcile all their differences between them.

"We have already started moving but you know, this is hampered by this problem (conflict with Caludtiag). So I have to stay with my boys here. So how would I work with my MNLF brothers and sisters in other provinces?"

Karon explained they have initiated move under that unified MNLF hard cores, but not to abandon Nur Misuari or destroy the MNLF and make another organization.

"No...our intention here is to unite the MNLF to pursue the peace agreement that we have signed with the Philippine government. That is our final and ultimate goal for reorganizing the MNLF again."

When asked if still take orders from Chairman Misuari, Karon replied: "At the moment I don't. As I have said this is not a company. This is an organization. This is not own by Nur Misuari. we will see what kind of orders he is going to give us. If it is advantageous or favorable for the Bangsamoro people, we still abide him. But if his order is going to be erroneous to the organization, so why abide it?" -- HG