EU to monitor ceasefire between MILF, government

MANILA, Philippines - The European Union will join an international team overseeing the ceasefire between the Philippine government and Muslim separatist rebels in the south, the local EU representative said yesterday.

EU ambassador Alistair MacDonald said the bloc would lead the “Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Component” of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) at the request of both Manila and the rebels.

“The EU’s decision to join the IMT is indeed good news for both the government of the Philippines and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) panels which now endeavor to preserve the gains of the peace talks,” chief government negotiator Rafael Seguis said.