Article Abstract:
While the Philippine government looked the other way for the past two decades, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has grown to an uncertain but formidable size and entrenched itself deeply in Mindanao. The group, which broke away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), regards its struggle as a crusade, and is unlikely to be bought off as the MNLF was. Manila, unwilling to admit the group's size, says the MILF has 8,000 troops. The MILF itself claims 120,000 and most foreign analysts estimate 40,000, with half active at any one time.
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Article Abstract:
The Philippine government reported a possible breakthrough in peace negotiations with the Islamic Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which is seeking autonomy for the Mindanao region. The Manila government has proposed to establish a 'transitional implementing structure' for Mindanao which would be headed by MNLF chief Nur Misuari. Both sides have already established agreement on most technical details for the proposed autonomous region but reached an impasse in differences over how to set up a provisional government.
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Article Abstract:
Despite the lack of hard evidence Philippine officials remain publicly convinced that the group that attacked Ipil on Apr 11 is part of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization. However, while the military says that group is closely tied to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Philippine police claim it is rather linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). They cite connections between MILF chairman Hashim Salamat and training camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan where Abu Sayyaf troops may have seen action.
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