THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines may recommend a 30-day ceasefire with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to set the climate for possible resumption of formal talks with the Muslim separatist rebels. Quoted on dzBB radio, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Dionisio Santiago said Tuesday that the military’s willingness to consider a suspension in offensive military operations (SOMO) showed it was “sincere” in forging peace with the MILF. Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser for Mindanao affairs, also proposed the ceasefire before a meeting of the cabinet oversight committee on internal security Tuesday. Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said it was up to the MILF to act on the call for a unilateral ceasefire. “The decision to end this conflict lies in the hands of the MILF,” he said. The government and rebels in 2001 signed a ceasefire agreement which both sides said was repeatedly violated. Full Story
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