Cotabato City, Philippines – Early 2000s

For over three decades, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has faced repeated internal challenges aimed at removing its founding chairman, Prof. Nur Misuari. These attempts—often marked by political maneuvering, military factionalism, and even violent confrontations—have threatened the unity of the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.

Early Challenges to Misuari’s Leadership

Since the MNLF’s establishment in 1968, Misuari’s leadership has been contested by key figures within the movement. The first significant challenge occurred in the early 1970s when a group of field commanders convened in Indanan, Sulu, and declared Dr. Salih Loong—a physician based in Saudi Arabia—as the new chairman. The move was swiftly opposed by Commander Alvarez Isnaji, then vice chairman for military affairs, who threatened violence if Misuari was removed. The assembly disbanded without further action.

The Committee of 9 and the Push for Collective Leadership

In the late 1970s, a faction known as the Committee of 9, composed of senior military officers including former BAF (Bangsamoro Armed Forces) chief-of-staff Dambong Sali, sought to establish a Standing Committee—a Politburo-like body—to dilute Misuari’s authority. Their proposal was rejected by the Central Committee, leading to their mass resignation in 1978 during a meeting in Tripoli, Libya.

The Rise of the MILF and the Hashim-Pundato Splits

The most consequential split came in 1977, when Vice Chairman Ustaz Salamat Hashim declared himself MNLF chairman via an Instrument of Takeover, signed by 57 officers. When this failed to gain broad support, Hashim and his followers formed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 1984.

Another major challenge came from Commander Dimas Pundato, who, after being promoted to vice chairman, led a faction that declared Misuari’s ouster in 1982. Pundato later formed the Reformist Group before surrendering to the Philippine government in 1988.

The 1990s: Failed Coups and External Pressures

Following the collapse of peace talks with the Corazon Aquino administration, another coup attempt emerged in the late 1980s led by Melham Alam, then chief-of-staff of the BAF. Alam and his allies formed the Islamic Command Council (ICC) after their plot failed.

The Council of 15 (2001) and Continued Resistance

The most recent challenge came from the Council of 15, a group of senior MNLF officials who, in April 2001, declared Misuari’s removal and claimed authority over the Central Committee. However, their bid lacked legitimacy, as the majority of the Central Committee and grassroots supporters remained loyal to Misuari.

Why Misuari Endured

Despite numerous attempts to unseat him, Misuari retained control due to:

1. Strong Central Committee Backing – Most members rejected coup attempts.

2. International Recognition – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) continued to recognize him as the legitimate Bangsamoro representative.

3. Grassroots Loyalty – Field commanders and rank-and-file mujahideen largely stood by him.

Conclusion

The MNLF’s history is marked by internal power struggles, yet Misuari’s leadership endured through shifting alliances, ideological splits, and external pressures. While factions like the MILF and Reformist Group broke away, the MNLF under Misuari remained a key player in the Bangsamoro struggle—until this day the torch keep burning and the next generations are waiting in line.

Source: Bureau of Public Information, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cotabato City, Philippines.