RP govt protests at rebels' show of force

RP govt protests at rebels' show of force

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuter): The Philippines' southern military chief yesterday protested against an unannounced trip by Moslem rebel chief Nur Misuari and his men before peace talks with the government.

Lt. Gen. Thelmo Cunanan said Misuari's visit to southern Cotabato City on Friday with 200 armed bodyguards was a "blatant violation" of the cease-fire agreement between the rebels and the government.

Cunanan told reporters he had filed a strong protest with a joint government-rebel committee overseeing the cease-fire.

Misuari, head of the separatist Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), met local guerrillas and spoke to residents in Cotabato, telling them the rebels were ready to embrace peace.

Government and MNLF negotiators are to hold a second round of talks in Zamboanga for three days starting today to discuss how to settle the MNLF-led separatist war. More than 50,000 people died at the height of the conflict in the 1970s.

Under the cease-fire accord, Misuari can travel around the southern islands with 100 bodyguards but must tell officials beforehand of his movements, the military said.

It said it learnt of Misuari's trip only minutes before the boats carrying him and his men docked in Cotabato.