VP Binay Authorized to Negotiate with Misuari

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday has assured the public that PNoy himself has authorized his negotiations with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari amid reported speculation on the nature of the “ceasefire” in Zamboanga City.

Binay said through his facebook account that Aquino gave him approval to speak with Misuari as early as last Wednesday for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Zamboanga City, Gma news online said.

“Si Pangulong Noynoy naman, Miyerkules pa ng gabi, sinabihan ko na siya na nakausap ko ‘yong mga tauhan ni Chairman Nur na pag-usapan namin ‘yong peaceful settlement. No’ng Miyerkules pa lang ‘yon,” the post quoted Binay as saying.

Binay added that Aquino even cautioned him to take care, before attempting negotiations. “So Miyerkules, nag-usap kami ni Pangulo. In fact, I was thankful to the President, sabi niya, ‘mag-iingat ka naman. Ikaw ay Vice President’,” Binay said.

The vice president however clarified that his participation was merely to advise the President regarding options that will put an end to the conflict and secure the release of civilian hostages, Gma news online reported.

“Ako kaya lang naman ako nag-advise para magkaroon ng pagkakataon na mai-save natin at malagay natin sa safety ang mga hostages. Kasi the fact is may mga hostages at may mga civilians who can be caught in the crossfire—who might die or get injured. ‘Yon ang primary intention ko do’n. Liliwanagin ko lang na ni minsan ‘di ko naisip na ako ang magdesisyon dahil ang desisyon ay gagawin ni Pangulo at ni Chairman Nur.”

Last Friday, Binay reported to the media that a ceasefire had been brokered with the MNLF. However, police operations against the group continued before dawn Saturday, the city government said. Posts on its Twitter account on Saturday, the city government said its police operations division did not receive any order of a ceasefire, Gma news online reported.

Binay has been criticized by netizens for announcing that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, even as fighting continued in Zamboanga, Gma news online added.

Last Saturday, the casualties of the on going hostilities between the government troops and MNLF rebels has reached 53 with 70 others wounded, Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office said.

Source: Gma news Online, Gma news Tv