Duterte, Misuari had a 15-min talk

Manila - President Rodrigo Duterte met with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari at Malacañan Palace on Monday night, February 25.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the dialogue between Duterte and Misuari lasted for only about “15 minutes.”

Panelo said Duterte, who was “not pushy” during the meeting with Misuari, was the one “talking and expressing himself” most of the time.

“What transpired last night was the President told the chairman that he admired his patience and he apologized for not having implemented or enforced whatever agreements that they had previously with respect to federalism,” Panelo said in a press conference Tuesday, February 26.

“And they would be talking again precisely on that. They didn’t have much time to talk so they will meet again,” he added.

The President has wanted to forge a separate deal with Misuari’s group, following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that creates a new Bangsamoro region.

Prior to his meeting with Misuari, Duterte directed Monday, February 25, the military and police not to arrest Misuari, who is planning to “go out” amid “ramblings” happening within the MNLF.