Peace Update: PHL gov't & MILF struggled to convince sceptics within their ranks on why they should engage in peace talks while clashes occur

Earlier reports from Basilan island said 20 people were killed when soldiers clashed with the MILF on Tuesday, with each side accusing the other of breaking a seven-year truce.

Now, the Philippine military has told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific program, that the military was pursuing a bandit group under a local commander, Long Malat, who was not linked to the MILF or the militant Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)

Western Mindanao Command spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, said ten soldiers were missing after the clash, and the military is pusuing the bandit group who are believed to have taken them hostage.

He insisted Tuesday's clash has not jeopardised the peace process.

"What we were operating against yesterday was a bandit group, not linked to the ASG and not linked to the MILF.

"But since the encounter took nine hours, we saw that some members of the ASG and some members of the MILF participated in the encounter. That is why I believe that the MILF also suffered some casualties." he said."
Australia Network News:Stories:Philippines peace process intact after armed clashes: "Asian Foundation's Steven Rodd told Connect Asia that peace talks were stalled in April but are likely to resume shortly.

But strains on both sides could increase if clashes between troops and rebels continue once new peace talks begin.

Both the government and the MILF have struggled to convince sceptics within their ranks on why they should engage in peace talks while clashes occur.

The Abu Sayyaf is a bandit group involved in terror and kidnapping activities in Basilan and another southern province - Sulu - while the MILF is involved in current peace talks with the government.
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