Peace Update: Philippine forces upbeat over talks with rebels

Philippine forces upbeat over talks with rebels: "“We are still optimistic (on the negotiations). It is where we see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez said yesterday.

Rodriguez, however, said military field units are undertaking measures to prevent the insurgents from staging more attacks.

“Ground forces and ground commanders have been given orders to make sure these things would not happen again. We should be reactive and responsive to the situation,” he said.

Rodriguez said military ground troops will remain on alert to ensure public safety. “We should be able to secure the people in any part of the territory,” he said."