Govt, MILF negotiators discuss Basilan clash in KL

Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiators on Thursday met in Malaysia amid the shadow cast by the Oct. 18 encounter in Al-Barka town in Basilan that left more than 20 people, most of them soldiers, dead. Marvic Leonen, the government’s chief negotiator, described the meeting as “a candid exchange where both sides cleared the air about pressing issues regarding the negotiations." The meeting was a one-day, informal meeting hosted by the Malaysian facilitator, with each side represented by three panel members and the Panel Secretariat head. In a statement, he said recent encounters between government soldiers and MILF rebels, particularly the one in Al-Barka, was discussed. “Regarding the recent incidents most particularly in Al-Barka, Basilan, we agreed that investigations through the ceasefire mechanisms shall continue to be conducted," Leonen said. The investigations include the one that will be conducted by the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in coordination with the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG). “We will await recommendations relating to the review of ceasefire mechanisms that may result from these investigations," Leonen said. Also during the meeting, the MILF reiterated its commitment to help the government in pursuing criminal groups and even the rebel group’s “lost commands" pursuant to the Joint Communique and Implementing Guidelines of the AHJAG. In Manila, Malacañang expressed hope that government and MILF negotiators would be able to find a “way forward" following the Oct. 18 clash. “They will bring up the October 18 incident and hopeful po tayo na makakahanap po tayo ng way forward with the peace talks," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a press briefing. - with Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News