MANILA, Philippines — The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has denied sheltering Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, dismissing as speculation claims that the fugitive lawmaker may have sought refuge with an armed group in Mindanao.
In a statement, the MNLF said it had no relationship with dela Rosa.
The group said dela Rosa's public references to the MNLF stemmed mainly from his experiences during the Marawi conflict and his support for peace-building programs benefiting former combatants and their children.
It also cited the senator's advocacy for the faster integration of qualified MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members into the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), saying this reflected policy-level engagement rather than personal or organizational ties.
The MNLF acknowledged that its founder, Nur Misuari, was known to be a friend of dela Rosa's political patron, former president Rodrigo Duterte. It also noted reports that Misuari and dela Rosa personally knew each other.
However, the organization stressed that these connections did not establish that dela Rosa was an MNLF member, an operational ally or someone currently under its protection.
It said claims that the MNLF was protecting the senator remained speculative, adding that the organization was fragmented and it was uncertain whether Misuari's faction would be willing or able to shield him from arrest.
The statement came amid speculation over dela Rosa's whereabouts and possible links to an armed group in Mindanao.
