Nur Misuari declares independence in an MNLF camp on Sulu, August 12, 2013.
After Benigno Aquino was elected president in 2010, he initiated peace talks with MILF. On Oct. 7, 2012, an agreement was reached in Malaysia, providing for a new autonomous political region called the Bangsamoro, meaning the “Nation of Moro.”
Claiming that the new peace accord violated the 1996 deal, MNLF leader Nur Misuari asserted the independence of a larger swathe of historically Muslim territory on Aug. 12, 2013. Less than a month later, the current clashes in Zamboanga were set off by MNLF-rebels close to Misuari. In a phone call with Zamboanga’s Mayor, however, Misuari has disowned the commander in charge of the attack.