MILF says it has nothing to do with Jolo uprising

COTABATO CITY, 21 November — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday said the outbreak of fighting in Jolo between the followers of Nur Misuari and government troops has no relationship with clashes between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and soldiers in Central Mindanao.

Interviewed over Radio DXMY, MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu claimed that army soldiers had been trying to penetrate the separatists’ line of defense in Pikit town of North Cotabato, sparking gunbattles.

Kabalu said clashes resumed yesterday afternoon in the Bulol area in Pikit. He accused army soldiers of burning down Muslim houses.

The military has not reported any clashso far in the area.

Kabalu admitted, however, that Presidential Arroyo’s adviser on the peace process, Eduardo Ermita, had initiated contact with the MILF leadership for the peaceful resolution of the alleged conflict.

"Apparently, the government does not want the armed conflict to escalate, which will only further disrupt the on going peace between the government and MILF, specially in the light of what is happening right now in Jolo," said Kabalu.