MILF denies killing civilians in ambush

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) denied the allegations of the military that the rebels were responsible for the deaths of 12 civilians in an ambush in the south on Thursday.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said, "We don't victimise innocent people." He referred to the eight civilians and three security guards who were killed in Siocon town, Zamboanga del Norte.

The victims were all working for Toronto Ventures Inc., a Canadian mining company based in the south. The MILF allegedly sent extortion letters to the mining company.

"We condemn this senseless killing. There will be no let-up in this (pursuit) operation," said regional military chief Lieutenant General Narciso Abaya, reacting to the incident.

Meanwhile, the Canadian embassy in Manila said it is reopening its office on December 30, adding that the incident in the south will not change this plan.

The MILF and the government signed a ceasefire agreement in Libya in 2001, with President Gloria Arroyo's call for the resumption of talks which were stalled during the time of former president Joseph Estrada.

The military has accused the MILF of resorting to bombing, kidnapping and other terrorist activities in the south. Only MILF renegade members have turned to terrorist activities, said Kabalu.

"The MILF and the government forces have a task to run after the renegade MILF members were found involved in terror attacks," said Kabalu.

The government and the MILF peace panels have scheduled a meeting for the resumption of talks in Malaysia in January.

The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) is brokering the government-MILF peace talks.