Muslimin Sema, the mayor of Cotabato City, is now the new chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), replacing Nur Misuari. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sema said he was elected chairman by the MNLF Central Committee on Tuesday night during a meeting in Pagadian City. Misuari remains under detention for leading a failed mutiny in Jolo, Sulu, in 2002. Sema, the former secretary general of the organization, said the Central Committee earlier declared the position of chairman vacant. “It has always been the policy of the MNLF that when there seems to be a vacancy or inactivity of the chairman of the MNLF, that the vacancy be addressed,” Sema said. He said at least 32 percent of active MNLF Central Committee members voted for him to replace Misuari as MNLF chief, adding that it was not the first time that the MNLF had replaced Misuari as chairman. Sema is a member of the Council of 15, a faction of the MNLF that declared Misuari as the front's chairman emeritus in April 2000 and installed a new central leadership for the group because of the alleged “eroding confidence” over Misuari's leadership. Sema said the MNLF will pursue peace efforts with the Arroyo government. “We signed a peace agreement in 1996 and it is wise to continue to work for that peace,” he said. Addressing concerns that some MNLF forces have teamed up with Abu Sayyaf bandits and launched attacks on police and military camps in Sulu province, Sema admitted there are still “rogue elements” in the organization. __
