By: Charlie Boss

Zamboanga City - - The recent surge of violence in Sulu is a telling sign that the elusive peace for that island is a long way ahead. The Moro National Liberation Front remains a security risk to the government more than a decade after the separatist group forged a final agreement for peace with the GRP. The peace pact paved the way for a more cooperative relationship but this has been interrupted by recurring breakouts of hostilities and heated armed confrontations between alleged rouge or renegade members of the MNLF and government troops.
MNLF rebels were integrated to the AFP and PNP as part of the terms in that agreement. But to this date, the rebel group still maintains a formidable strength of troops and armament. Its recruitment and training have never ceased despite the signing of a final peace accord. The MNLF is still a concern for the AFP in the sense that it is capable to go into war anytime it is disgruntled with the government.
The latest aggression in Sulu broke out after MNLF rebels under Ustadz Habier Malik launched mortar attacks against AFP troops in Seit, Panamao. A child was killed while another civilian was wounded in an MNLF attack at the Panamao Municipal Hall. This is tantamount to an act of terrorism and an outright violation of the 1996 peace agreement. However, apparently the former MNLF commander turned lawless element was acting on his own and did not have the support of the entire MNLF. Other MNLF commanders were unwilling to be party to the show of wrath by Malik.
The situation brings out a predicament of its own. It goes back to the underlying idea that so long as the MNLF remains an organized group with enough forces and arms it will always be a silent volcano that could erupt into catastrophic proportion. How can the government prevent any of the MNLF commanders from waging reckless attacks against the government and civilian communities?
A real truce with the MNLF can only be realized if the rebels lay down their arms. After all, what is the use of a final peace agreement if up to now the government is technically still negotiating peace with the MNLF.
Sincerity is shown in our actions. The Malik incident can be easily dismissed as an isolated case. A military or security disaster of its own, but will not really have any impact or strain the relationship of the government with the MNLF. But one thing cannot be denied. Malik is a top MNLF commander and holds large influence towards its members. At any rate, the MNLF should take steps to castigate its rouge commanders and members to show that it is different from the crooks, criminals, terrorists and lawless groups plaguing Sulu.