MILF warns government

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday warned the Philippines that it would confront any threats on its forces following President Arroyo's announcement that US anti-terror troops may help the local military fight armed militants on Mindanao island.

Arroyo made the announcement at a pro-government rally in North Cotabato province after meeting with US Pacific Command chief Admiral Thomas Fargo on Wednesday.

Philippine and US authorities have linked the MILF to the Al Qaida and the Jemaah Islamiya, although rebel leaders strongly denied the accusations.

A rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said Muslims are opposing the holding of the Philippine-US joint anti-terror warfare exercise in central Mindanao because it could endager the peace talks if security forces operate inside MILF stongholds.