Malaysia assures Philippines of continued help
Updated
Malaysia has pledged to continue helping the Philippines obtain peace in the troubled southern Mindanao island.
This comes after Philippine President Gloria Arroyo dissolved the government peace panel negotiating with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi says Malaysia's continued participation in the peace talks is hoped to make the process easier with fellow Muslims helping discuss issues.
Malaysia has been mediating the peace talks between the Philippines and the M.I.L.F. and leads the international peacekeepers stationed in the southern Philippines.
During Malaysia's 51st National Day celebrations, the ambassador says his country has always remained supportive in attaining peace and stability in Mindanao. Malaysia has extended the term of its peace keepers in the Philippines for another three months.
Meantime, Philippine officials have doubled the reward money offered for the capture of two M.I.L.F.commanders who led the attacks on mainly Christian villages in the south to two hundred and fourteen thousand U.S. dollars each.
M.I.L.F. leaders have challenged officials to charge soldiers and militiamen who they allege looted and burned houses of villagers.
