The Moro Islamic Liberation Front denied accusations by the military that it broke a fragile truce and assured Manila it is sincere in the peace talks. "There is no truth to the accusations. The MILF has not violated the cease-fire and we continue to abide by the provisions of the truce," Eid Kabalu, a spokesman for the MILF, told The Manila Times on Tuesday.
Southern Command chief, Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, said the rebels were recruiting new members in the southern region and have been secretly training in at least eight provinces and towns. He said they have monitored at least 80 training activities in Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao, Maguindanao, Cotabato, and as far as Tawi-Tawi. "This is a serious violation of the cease-fire agreement. Among those who testified to the MILF activities are local officials and former trainees," Adan said. |