RP govt, MILF make breakthrough in talks

MANILA, Philippines – Government peace negotiators on Sunday night claimed to have made a breakthrough in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on ancestral domain. Presidential peace process adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the "breakthrough" was achieved at 8:15 p.m., and would pave the way for the signing of a framework next month. "With this positive development in the negotiations, the signing of the framework on ancestral domain is tentatively set early August this year," Esperon said. He did not give details of the "breakthrough," but said both panels signed a joint communiqué during their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Signing the communiqué were chairmen Rodolfo Garcia (government) and Mohagher Iqbal (MILF). Last Friday, the MILF walked out of the talks. - GMANews.TV