Ever since the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) announced that a peace agreement between the two sides was forthcoming, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has been vocal in expressing its apprehension that they would be excluded from the agreement.

The framework of that peace pact is expected to be signed in Malacañang today.

MNLF founder Nur Misuari has warned that the new deal was a “recipe for crisis” which could lead to war. Others in the MNLF hierarchy share the same dim view, including Muslimin Sema, said to be the incoming chairman of the Front once its new charter is approved.

Under a worst-case scenario, the MNLF will again take up arms against the national government. They say that they will be left with no other choice given the government’s alleged inability to fully implement the Tripoli agreement hammered out in 1976, followed by the more detailed pact agreed to in 1996.

For its part, the MILF has said that Misuari and company are just making noise. In rejecting the peace pact, the MILF added that the MNLF is showing its true colors. Who in his right mind would reject the possibility of a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, they ask.

It is no secret that there is much bad blood between the two forces. The MILF was a spin-off organization of the MNLF, because the former did not fully agree with the original peace agreement signed by the latter. Complicating the matter further is the fact that the MNLF is itself split into two factions, one of which no longer recognizes Misuari as their leader, spiritual or otherwise.

There is also a deeper issue involved. The leaders of the MNLF come from different tribes than the leaders of the MILF, and there is a lot of mistrust between the two sides.

The government has stated that there will be a seat at the table for the MNLF. Still, it is clear that the MNLF does not want to be treated as mere guests at the party of the GRP and MILF. They want to be treated as equals, which the MILF is not inclined to accept.

For now, the biggest issue is the creation of a new autonomous political entity to be known as the Bangsamoro, which would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). For next year’s elections, Misuari has already declared his candidacy for ARMM governor, a position that he previously held.

The ARMM is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, including the chartered cities of Marawi and Lamitan. Under the proposed Bangsamoro region, North Cotabato will be included, along with other areas which may seek inclusion in the new political entity.

The government would do well to hold separate talks between the MNLF and the MILF, hopefully to get the two sides to come to some kind of broad agreement to make the new peace pact work.

The MILF should accept the fact that the MNLF will not go away, nor will they meekly accept any agreement that excludes them.