MANILA - Muslim rebels on Wednesday declared a cease-fire in the southern Philippines and gave the government 10 days to meet their demands or face renewed fighting.
| Things're going pretty bad, huh? |
The southern military chief, Maj. Gen. Roy Kyamko, rejected the truce as "a tactical move," and said only the surrender of guerrillas responsible for recent attacks would stop military operations. Eid Kabalu, spokesman for the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said the rebels will cease attacks on the main southern island of Mindanao as of June 2 for 10 days, in response to calls from the country's Roman Catholic bishops and other groups.
| Bishops keep doing that these days. They don't believe that some people need killing... |
"They are demanding a declaration of a cease-fire so we responded to these groups' appeal," Kabalu told The Associated Press.
| "I mean, it ain't for us. Think of The Children™... I mean bishops..." |
He demanded the government implement agreements reached during past negotiations, brokered by neighboring Malaysia, or else the rebels will resume fighting. He demanded that the government withdraw its forces from former guerrilla camps, and lift murder charges against MILF leaders accused in bombing attacks.
Government officials did not comment immediately.
| But they did roll their eyes... |
But Kyamko, the southern military leader, said: "The only concession for them is to surrender."
| Nope. Things aren't going well for MILF. |
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