Former MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari is said to be forming a 150,000 strong MNLF police force. Misuari said that he intends to train this police force to protect areas said to be part of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). Now that government refuses to honor its previous commitment as encapsulated in the failed BJE-MOA, Moro groups such as the MNLF are finding other ways to "keep the peace" in Mindanao.
The question is--is this constitutional? Is Misuari allowed by the Philippine Constitution to form his own police force? Obviously, no. The only legitimate armed forces as contemplated in the Charter are those authorized by legislative fiat which are the AFP and the PNP. Any other force are illegitimate. So, how would government view this suggestion?
Misuari cannot form his own armed forces because it is tantamount to rebellion. If he operates within the purview of the Philippine constitution, he risks arrest and possible detention because he cannot form such an army.
Another armed aggrupation in Mindanao will not help the peace process there. What would be beneficial is for the GRP and the MILF to go back to the peace table. But, how will they when obviously both camps are insincere?
In the next few weeks, we expect a temporary cessation of hostilities. However, after 45 days, no body knows what would happen in Mindanao should both sides continue to harden their positions. The MILF already declared that they'll wait for the next president to resolve the Bangsamoro Question, a virtual declaration that they're abandoning the peace talks.
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