Vol. 8 Issue 7 - Public International Law & Policy Group

"There's no alternative to peace, that is why I'm calling (on) the MILF (Moro Islamic
Liberation Front) leadership to go back to the negotiating table to resolve our differences
peacefully," Razon said in statement.
He said the government was also committed to "review and propose enhancements to the
nature and structure of the facilitation process."
Razon did not elaborate, but the MILF had said previous government negotiators were not
prepared to address key rebel demands, including the proposed expansion of a Muslim
autonomous area that was to have fallen under its control.
That proposed land deal was blocked by the courts late last year, leading to subsequent
attacks by two MILF commanders across several towns and provinces on Mindanao island.
President Gloria Arroyo subsequently cut off peace talks, and demanded that the MILF
surrender two of its commanders. That demand was rejected by the MILF.
The fighting that followed led to the displacement of over half a million people and the
deaths of some 300 rebels, soldiers and civilians.
On Monday, the government said 124 people, mostly children, had also died in squalid
evacuation camps.
The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Monday both sides should focus
on reaching an interim ceasefire since a "broader settlement of the conflict seems out of
reach" until Arroyo's six-year term ends in 2010.
"As it stands, the two sides are too far apart, the potential spoilers too numerous and the
political will in Manila too weak to hope for a negotiated peace anytime soon," said Sidney
Jones, the ICG's senior adviser in Asia.
The ICG said however that it was possible for both sides to move towards restricting
movements of the commanders involved in the attacks, while at the same time agreeing to a
ceasefire.
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