Japan concerned over violence in Mindanao

MANILA (AFP) - Major aid donor Japan voiced deep concern Tuesday over the violence in the southern Philippines and called on the government to use restraint in dealing with Islamic rebels.

With Philippine forces on the verge of a new offensive in the south of the country after 10 marines were beheaded on the island of Basilan, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso urged Manila to be cautious.

An assault on Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels was delayed after Japan and Canada warned aid could be cut, and Aso told his Philippine counterpart Alberto Romulo not to damage the peace process with the MILF.

"Japan, as a nation that proactively supported the (southern) peace process, is strongly concerned about the renewed tension stemming from the military clash on Basilan island," Aso said, according to a Japanese diplomat.

"We must avoid a situation where the peace process takes a step back, as such a development could affect Japanese development projects. We ask the Philippine government to continue to exercise restraint," Aso said.

The Japanese diplomat, who attended their meeting, said Romulo had responded that the Philippines was using restraint but that "no government" could tolerate the violence perpetrated by the MILF.

The group admitted it was behind an ambush that left 14 marines dead in early July but denied responsibility for cutting the heads off 10 bodies.

MILF forces in the south were Tuesday placed "on defensive mode" as police backed by troops were sent to arrest 130 members implicated in the ambush, rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu told AFP earlier.