MILF accuses gov't of violating ceasefire agreement

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has accused the Philippine military of violating the ceasefire agreement when it allegedly raided the rebels' community in southern province of Basilan early Monday.

Abbas Salung, member of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), reported the incident, which transpired in Baguindan village, Tipo-Tipo town, to the MILF headquarters in southern province of Maguindanao.

"Firefight ensued for nearly 30 minutes between the MILF forces under Ustaz Hamzah Sapanton, Provincial Committee Chairman, and the raiding government forces numbering to more or less 40 men," he said.

"The encounter had already ceased but actions must be undertaken by the government to avoid recurrence of the firefight between the government and MILF forces and to prove that the government forces are indeed upholding the policy of the Aquino government for the primacy of the peace process," he added.

The MILF claimed that it suffered "scores of casualties" from the incident.

Sapanton said that the incident was a deliberate act to undermine the ceasefire and the peace talks between the government and the MILF.

The MILF has warned the Philippine government of prolonging the peace process after they failed to sign the three remaining annexes of the framework agreement and the comprehensive compact during the recently concluded negotiations in Malaysia.