Govt negotiator: AFP-MILF clash ‘an isolated incident’

The government remains confident that the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will push through despite the recent clash in Basilan province that left 13 soldiers dead. “We are confident that the current mechanisms for monitoring violations of the ceasefire agreement are in place and are effectively working," said Marvic Leonen, the government’s chief negotiator with the secessionist group. In a statement issued Wednesday, Leonen described the clash as an “isolated case" that “was not intended by both the government and the MILF." The clash took place while the military and the MILF are observing a ceasefire in connection with the ongoing peace negotiations. The military earlier claimed that the armed men they encountered in Albarka town Tuesday morning were a composite group of Abu Sayyaf and MILF members led by one Dan Laksaw Asnawi, apparently the commander of the MILF’s 114th Base Command.

But on Wednesday, the military softened its stance and said they are not holding the MILF liable for the attack. Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman for the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, said MILF members, who are relatives of the armed men, provided reinforcement to the group during the encounter. As of posting time, eight soldiers were being held hostage by the armed group within an MILF territory in Basilan. Leonen said they are hoping “to get a clearer picture of the causes of this incident" as its members prepare for a meeting with their MILF counterparts next month. — Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News