Japan hopes PHL, MILF return to negotiating table soon

While it condoled with those who died in clashes in Mindanao since last week, Japan has voiced hopes the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front can get back to the peace negotiating table soonest. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe also voiced concern over the clashes, which he said may jeopardize the peace process. "It is my sincere wish that all parties respect the ceasefire and call upon the Government of the Philippines and the MILF to continue their efforts to advance the peace talks for the peace and prosperity of the whole community," he said in a statement dated Oct. 25. Urabe expressed his sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, even as he voiced concerns the clashes may endanger the peace process. "The recent firefights are a source of serious concern for me because it is jeopardizing the peace process," he said. Japan is a member of the International Monitoring Team and International Contact Group, and has been supporting the peace talks over a decade. The IMT monitors the ceasefire between the government and the MILF, while the ICG seeks to help build mutual trust needed in the peace process. At least 19 soldiers were killed in a clash in Basilan with suspected MILF forces last week. The clash prompted several sectors to call for the scrapping of the peace process but President Benigno Aquino III has so far rejected such calls. The Philippine government and the MILF started peace efforts in 1997. — RSJ, GMA News