I remember back in 1995, a news article was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer with the title “I’d Rather Go Fishing Than Run For Governor,” quoting MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari during the last stages of negotiations of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He meant what he said but due to public pressure from the MNLF and from within the then-ARMM region, he didn’t have a choice but to run to sustain the gains of the peace agreement and to ensure its implementation.

Dr Tom Stern’s book highlights the accomplishments and agonies of the founding leader and Central Committee Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front. Its purpose is obviously to share the unique story of Nur Misuari, his perspectives and vision as MNLF frontrunner for empathy and identification with the peace and war advocates in Mindanao and the entire country as well. His protracted struggle for the delivery of basic services and pursuit of rights for his Bangsa Moro brothers and sisters is openly delineated by Stern.