Whether exaggerated or not, the threat of the Ranao Unified National Command (RUNC) of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) made in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday must be looked into, said House Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong, vice president for Muslim Communities of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats.

“I think their problem should be looked into even if their threat may be exaggerated,” said Datumanong.

He was referring to the strong opposition to the holding of the 2010 political exercise and a threat of jihad (holy struggle) coming from the RUNC-MNLF headed by Shailani T. Magandia, reportedly a lieutenant colonel in the MNLF forces in Lanao del Sur loyal to MNLF founding Chairman Nur Misuari.

Datumanong said the threat should not be ignored.

“It should be looked into by the local government or the national government,” the Maguindanao solon said.

Magandia, who claims 10,000 MNLF men in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, and his fellow MNLF commanders believe holding the local and national elections in May 2010 would hamper the full implementation of the 1996 final peace agreement (FPA) between the government and the MNLF.

They met on October 13, which he said was attended by 2,000 MNLF members at Camp Nur Misuari, Delabaken Training Center, Dulay, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

“Many MNLF commanders who delivered messages during the meeting expressed strong opposition to the conduct of the 2010 elections. They warned they will declare a 'jihad' if the elections are held,” RUNC’s head said.

Magandia said he knew of the meeting, but was not informed beforehand of the agenda.

“We are opposing the 2010 elections because once it is held, the final peace agreement between the government and the MNLF will not be fully implemented. We will declare a ‘jihad’ if the Commission on Elections conduct the elections,” said Magandia.

He said resolutions coming out of the October 13 meeting about opposition to the 2010 elections will be sent to President Arroyo, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo, and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo, among others.

Newly confirmed Comelec Commissioner Elias Yusoph said he could not give a longer comment until he gets all the information.