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