Duterte eyes meeting with Nur Misuari in early 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte is hoping that he could talk to Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari by early 2017, after panels of both the government and the MNLF shall have finalized negotiations.

Duterte made the remark during an ambush interview after meeting the troops at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

"I will meet Misuari for sure kasi pagkatapos ng panel-panel. It goes up to us. Kami na ang mag-usap. Ano adre, 'Okay na ba ito?'" Duterte said.

"Sana early next year," he added.

Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges for his involvement in the infamous Zamboanga siege, is believed to be hiding somewhere in Sulu.

Duterte in his previous speeches expressed his intention to talk to Misuari and include MNLF in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Asked if he is going to talk to Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco Salazar regarding Misuari's cases, Duterte just replied, "Iyong mga ganoon, it's better to talk peace than war."

Misuari is facing a warrant of arrest issued in 2013 over the MNLF's 20-day siege in Zamboanga City.

But Duterte earlier hinted that he is willing to give Misuari a safe conduct pass to join the peace talks.

In his press conference Thursday night in Davao City, the President also pointed out that he does not want Misuari detained because of his "fragile age" as well as his important role in the peace talks. —NB, GMA News