Gov't, MILF begin formal negotiations

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The first round of formal peace talks between the government and Muslim rebels opened yesterday as scheduled, despite an earlier boycott threat by the guerrillas after the issue of human rights was dropped from the agenda.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) called off the scheduled negotiations late Tuesday after government negotiators refused to discuss the human rights situation in Mindanao during the talks.

But government negotiators immediately backed down after the MILF informed them about the suspension of the two-day formal talks, said Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs.

"Government peace negotiators retracted their position and agreed to tackle the issue of respect for human rights of the Bangsamoro (Muslim nation) people in the South," Jaafar said. "So the MILF decided to push through with the talks."

The talks were held in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao amid escalating hostilities between MILF guerrillas and government soldiers in nearby areas.

Reports said the two panels tackled confidence-building measures drawn up by their technical committees early this week.

In Basilan, at least four people were injured when about 30 MILF rebels attacked a military detachment, triggering a three-hour firelight on Tuesday.

Sporadic clashes continued until yesterday in the hinterlands of Sumisip town. Soldiers, backed by two armored vehicles and militiamen, ran after the rebels armed with small rockets and automatic rifles.

Last week, the MILF and the military clashed for five days in three towns in Maguindanao, leaving at least 11 people dead and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes in fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Jaafar said he does not expect the two panels to reach major agreements in the first round of talks, but expressed confidence the meeting would put a stop to the fighting between the MILF and the military.

President Estrada has given negotiators until June to reach a political settlement to the group's secessionist struggle.

MILF chief Hashim Salamat said they could meet the deadline, but added the talks should focus on "why Muslims in the South are fighting for an independent Islamic state."

"We cannot come out with a half-baked settlement that will only address the superficial dimensions of the problem."

The MILF has been fighting for a separate Islamic state in Mindanao since 1978. It has vowed to pursue its demand for independence during the peace talks, despite opposition from the government. - With Roel Pareño, wire reports