IN A MEETING here in Pagadian City over the weekend, Mayor Muslimin Sema of Cotabato City was elected as new chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a group seeking an independent Mindanao.

But despite the unanimous votes from the officers and members who were present during the meeting held at the Bay Plaza Hotel, the group of jailed MNLF leader Nur Misuari ignored and rejected the leadership of Sema.

Ibrahim Talib, the provincial administrator of Basilan province said the leadership of Sema is only limited in his own turf in Cotabato and central Mindanao.

Talib added the election was made just to choose a new leader who will represent the forthcoming election of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM.

It may be recalled that MNLF leaders in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi were of no show during the meeting in Pagadian. Talib revealed that only Misuari has the personality to lead the MNLF since he is the only leader acknowledged and recognized in the International Islamic Conference.

Sema on the other hand, the former MNLF Secretary General cannot influence other Muslims in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Atty. Ulka Ulma, Misuari’s lawyer had also chose not to recognize the new leadership of Sema and insisted his client remains the legitimate leader of the MNLF even if he is jailed. He said MNLF was born in Sulu and not in central Mindanao so Sema has no authority to reign in power.

Last update : 21-04-2008 12:34

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