Philippine government downplays Muslim rebel's declaration of independence

The Philippine government on Thursday downplayed the reported declaration of independence made by Nur Misuari, a leader of former Muslim secessionist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). "We have not monitored any MNLF movements," said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda at a news briefing. Misuari, the founding chairman of the MNLF and former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, reportedly declared independence of the "Bangsamoro Republik" from the Philippine government on July 29 in a gathering of his followers in Indanan, a town in Southern Philippine province of Sulu. The spokesperson said that the government intelligence agencies have yet to confirm whether Misuari indeed declared independence, but he reminded Misuari of the consequences of his actions if the reports were true. "I think, he very well knows the consequences of declaring independence, not only from us but also from the facilitator, from the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference)," he said. The OIC brokered the peace process between the Philippine government and the MNLF, leading to the signing of a final peace accord in 1996. Misuari reportedly declared independence after being dismayed on the government's alleged failure to fully implement the peace agreement.