Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF): A Muslim separatist group in the southern Philippines, established to address and safeguard the political, social, and economic interests of the Moro people.
Etymology
The term “Moro” refers to the Muslim population in the Philippines, a name that has historical roots dating back to the Spanish colonial era when the Moors from North Africa heavily influenced the Spanish Muslims. The word “liberation” denotes the MNLF’s goal to achieve freedom and independence for the Moro people, and “Front” indicates a collective movement.
Arabic: جبهة تحرير مورو الوطنية Turkish: Moro Ulusal Kurtuluş Cephesi
Historical Background
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was officially formed in 1969 under the leadership of Nur Misuari. It emerged as a reactionary force against the rising animosity between the Muslim minority and the increasingly dominant Christian settlers in the southern Philippines, particularly after an influx of Christian families into traditionally Muslim-majority areas like Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan from the 1950s onwards.
Objective and Activities
In 1974, the MNLF declared its intention to establish an independent Bangsa Moro Republik (Moro Nation Republic). This declaration marked the beginning of a civil conflict as the organization sought independence through armed struggle, resulting in significant violence and civil turmoil. The group aimed to form an independent state that would preserve Islamic culture and laws aligned with the faith and customs of the Moro people.
Key Events
- 1974 Declaration: The MNLF’s assertion to form Bangsa Moro Republik led to a civil war.
- 1987 Autonomy Offer: The Philippine government extended an offer of autonomy to the MNLF in January 1987. Initially accepted, this offer failed to bring lasting peace, leading to stalled negotiations and sporadic skirmishes by 1988.
- 1989 Plebiscite: The MNLF refused to recognize the creation of four autonomous Moro provinces established through a governmental plebiscite.
- 1996 Peace Agreement: A significant peace agreement was signed between the MNLF and the Philippine government. Despite this, tensions remained, exacerbated by other radical factions.
Splinter Groups
A notable splinter group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), diverged from the MNLF and continues to engage in rebellion via guerrilla warfare and kidnappings, indicating a fragmented and multifaceted Moro separatist movement.
Further Reading
- The Bangsamoro Struggle and the Overseas Moro Nationalism by Macapado Abaton Muslim
- Rebellion and Repression in the Philippines by Richard Chauvel
- Muslims in the Philippines by Cesar Adib Majul
- Bangsamoro: A Nation Under Endless Tyranny by Salah Jubair
Takeaways
- The MNLF was initiated to address the adversities felt by the Moro minority in the Philippines arising from demographic changes and political marginalization.
- The intent to form an independent Bangsa Moro Republik initiated prolonged civil conflict.
- A tentative peace formed post-1996, albeit with ongoing unrest from splinter factions like MILF.
Conclusion
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) stands as a significant historical and contemporary entity within the political landscape of the Philippines, illustrating the complex interplay of ethnicity, religion, and governance. The journey from staunch separatism to uneasy peace with ongoing strife underscores the ever-persistent struggle for self-determination and cultural identity among the Moro people.
