Philippines president scraps MILF negotiating panel
Updated
![The military says nearly 200 people have been killed in fighting in southern Philippines over the past two weeks. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/phils_military_afp_280808.jpg?gallery<BR> "The military says nearly 200 people have been killed in fighting in southern Philippines over the past two weeks. [AFP]")
The military says nearly 200 people have been killed in fighting in southern Philippines over the past two weeks. [AFP]
The Philippine's President Gloria Arroyo has scrapped a government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The decision throws into question the future of a five-year-old ceasefire in the southern Philippines.
An agreement on a Muslim homeland in Mindanao was finalised during talks in Malaysia in early August, but that was shelved by the Supreme Court after objections from Christians in the southern Island.
This triggered elements of the MILF to assault Christian towns two weeks ago, followed by a big military counter attack.
The military says nearly 200 people have been killed in fighting since then.
Manila used the rebel attacks to shift its peace policy from negotiating with the guerrilla leaders to talking with local communities.
The MILF has threatened to withdraw from the peace process if the territorial deal is not signed.
