MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday reiterated his call for a dialogue with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari, as he revealed that there are “rumblings” happening within the rebel group.

This comes after reports that members of the MNLF are not happy with the composition of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which is largely composed of its rival group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Duterte made the statement during his speech to barangay leaders at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, but did not elaborate further.

“There are rumblings about the MNLF. Sabi namin, come and join, but Misuari is gnawing out and I have ordered the military and police, may kaso siya eh, allow siya, he will come back,” he said.

“Si Misuari is going out again and he has a case. Sabi ko hayaaan niyo,” Duterte added.

The MNLF leader has yet to respond publicly on Duterte’s call for them to talk.

• Duterte seeks Misuari’s help for release of Abu hostages

The President earlier sought the help of Misuari for the release of hostages of the Abu Sayyaf.

The terrorist group has threatened to behead 3 hostages, identified in a Straits Times report, as Indonesians Heri Ardiansyah, 19, and Hariadin, 45, and Malaysian Jari Abdulla.

The 3 foreigners were abducted from their Sandakan-based fishing trawler in eastern Sabah last Dec. 5.