MILF: Forces committed to peace during Ramadan

Following the start of the Muslim holy Islamic month of Ramadan Saturday, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) assured the Philippine government that its forces will keep the peace. The MILF’s "assurance" came two weeks after the Aug. 12 clash in Basilan, where 23 soldiers and 31 MILF and Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed. "Nagkaroon ng meeting ang commander namin throughout Mindanao. In-explain ko sa kanila ang SOMO at SOMA. Lahat ay committed na sumunod sa liderato ng MILF," said rebel spokesperson Eid Kabalu in an interview on dzXL radio. (We had a meeting with our commanders throughout Mindanao. I explained to them the government’s suspension of offensive military operations, and the MILF’s suspension of military action. All commanders are committed to follow the MILF leadership.) Kabalu earlier said some of the MILF members in Basilan who came to the aid of the Abu Sayyaf during the August 12 clash may be related to the al-Qaeda-linked bandits. He said that when he met with MILF commanders throughout Mindanao last weekend, all of them gave their commitment to observe the cease-fire both sides declared last July. Presidential peace process adviser Avelino Razon Jr. said both sides are working on "agreements" in their last preparatory talks in Kuala Lumpur. In a series of radio interviews Monday, Razon said these include suspension of military operations on both sides, protection of non-combatants and evacuees, and creating an international contact group that may include states and personalities that may boost the peace process. "‘Yang acts of terrorism at pagbobomba...ang nabibiktima civilian at ito ay dapat natin wakasan at tigilan para magkaroon ng kapayapaan. ‘Yan ang mithiin ng mga kapatid nating Muslim. Ang Muslim religion is centered on peace kaya ‘yan ang ating itutulak kasama sila para manumbalik ang katahimikan sa parte ng Mindanao," Razon said on dwIZ radio. (Those acts of terrorism and bombing of civilians should end if we are to have peace. The Muslim religion is centered on peace and that is what we will promote in Mindanao.) - GMANews.TV