Clashes erupted between soldiers and Muslim separatist rebels in the southern Philippines, with both sides accusing the other of violating a truce ahead of peace talks. Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked a military detachment near the town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao province at dawn, forcing soldiers to retaliate, army spokesman in the area Lieutenant Franklin del Prado said. "Rebel snipers harassed our position in Linantangan village and soldiers are now clearing the area. We are still awaiting military reports. We don't know yet if there are casualties on both sides," he told reporters. Front spokesman Eid Kabalu however said the fighting was triggered when soldiers and government militias conducted a surprise raid on the homes of civilian Muslims and members of the rebel organisation. "The soldiers and militias raided the houses occupied by MILF rebels. They searched houses and harassed many civilians and attacked MILF members without provocation, and this triggered the fighting. The MILF is still investigating this incident," Kabalu said.
Rebel fighters have been instructed to strictly observe a cease fire pact and have urged the government peace panel to investigation the violence. The fighting broke out a day after both sides said they were prepared to resume the next round of peace talks in Malaysia, which is brokering negotiations aimed at ending the MILF's 26-year rebellion for the establishment of an Islamic state in the southern Philippines. Government earlier this week said it had dropped charges against 185 MILF fighters and leaders accused of deadly bombings in the south in a bid to fast-track the negotiations. Talks in Malaysia are to resume in October, the MILF said Sunday on its website, giving no other details. Members of the government negotiating panel were not immediately available for comment. |