RP, MILF agree on peace mission

RP, MILF agree on peace mission

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines and the separatist Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) have signed the operational guidelines
governing the Malaysian-led team who will monitor a cease-fire,
officials said on Tuesday.

The "terms of reference" was signed by government's chief
peace negotiator Silvestre Afable and MILF senior leader Mohaqer
Iqbal last week in Manila, said Rodolfor Garcia, a member of the
government negotiating panel.

The agreement was then transmitted to Malaysia, which is
brokering the cease-fire and which will host the resumption of
peace talks expected by October, he said.

The terms of reference basically refers to the guidelines over
what the Malaysian monitors can and can't do, he said.

The mandate of the peace monitoring team is to see that a
cease-fire signed by both sides in 1992 remains in place and
prevent clashes that could derail the peace process, he said.

The nine-man Malaysian team arrived early this month, and are
now visiting areas of conflict in the southern Mindanao island,
where the MILF has been waging a rebellion since 1978. -- AFP