The Moro National Liberation Front was founded and led by Nur Misuari, a central figure in the movement for autonomy in the southern Philippines. Born on March 3, 1939, in Tapul, Sulu, he rose from humble beginnings to become an influential political scientist, partisan, and revolutionary who engaged in decades of intense negotiations and conflict with the Philippine government.
Academic Background and Radicalization
Misuari attended Jolo Central Elementary School and Sulu National High School before securing a scholarship to the University of the Philippines in Manila. He initially pursued liberal arts but shifted to political science, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in 1962. After brief law studies, he completed a master's degree in Asian studies in 1964. During his time in academia, he helped establish the Bagong Asya student group and co-founded the Kabataan Makabayan with Jose Maria Sison. He later served as a political science lecturer at the University of the Philippines from 1966 until 1968.
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Misuari became involved with Ansarul Islam before assuming leadership of the Moro National Liberation Front. Under his direction, the organization sought political reforms for the Moro people, eventually engaging in military conflict against the government of Ferdinand Marcos between 1972 and 1976. When these efforts failed to produce autonomy, Misuari entered self-imposed exile in Saudi Arabia. He returned to the Philippines following the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Autonomy Agreements and Political Governance
Misuari championed the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, which formed the basis for later peace negotiations. In the 1990s, the administration of Fidel Ramos, with support from Indonesia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, finalized the 1996 Jakarta Agreement. This accord solidified the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with Misuari serving as its governor. In 1997, he was honored with the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize for his role in these efforts.
Conflict and Displacement
His tenure as governor concluded in 2001 following a failed rebellion against the Philippine government. After the uprising, Misuari escaped to Sabah, Malaysia. Malaysian authorities eventually deported him back to the Philippines, where he was removed from his gubernatorial position. Throughout his life, Misuari has maintained a commitment to Islam and has navigated complex political alliances, including historical ties to leaders in Sabah.
Fast facts
- Born: March 3, 1939, Tapul, Sulu, Philippines
- Citizenship: Philippines
- Education: University of the Philippines
- Religion: Islam
- Political Positions: Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
- Key Organization: Moro National Liberation Front
- Award: Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize (1997)
Questions readers ask
What was the primary goal of the Moro National Liberation Front under Nur Misuari?
The organization sought to obtain political reforms and autonomy for the Moro people in the southern Philippines.
What led to the end of Misuari's term as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao?
His term ended in 2001 after he led a failed rebellion against the Philippine government, which resulted in his deportation from Malaysia and subsequent removal from office.
