One smaller rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front, supports the claims of Mr. Kiram's followers.

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The outgoing government of Fidel Ramos had similar hopes of success, and in 1996 signed a peace deal with the Moro National Liberation Front, the main independence movement.

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In the newly created Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development, Misuari must ensure that fellow members of the Moro National Liberation Front do not get consumed by the corruption and patronage that is endemic to the political system.

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