Shirley Escalante in Manila, and wires
Updated September 14, 2013 16:54:18
Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines have agreed to discuss a ceasefire after a five-day deadly stand-off with government forces.
At least 52 people have been killed and more than 50 others have been injured while almost 30,000 people have been displaced in the fighting which began in Zamboanga on Monday.
Vice President Jejomar Binay has flown the southern city of Zamboanga to lead efforts aimed at finding a peaceful settlement to the stand off.
A spokesman for the vice president said he had talked to rebel leader Nur Misuari on Friday night to propose a ceasefire that would come into effect at midnight on Saturday.
"He talked to Misuari and he talked to Gazmin, and they agreed to discuss a ceasefire," spokesman Joey Salgado said.
A ceasefire plan was tabled by the vice president late Friday however according to spokeswomen Abigail Valte, Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has clarified "that a ceasefire has never been implemented".
Some local media had been reporting the truce would take effect from midnight on Friday (local time).
Gun battles have raged with around 180 rebels belonging to the Moro National Liberation Front holding more than a hundred people captive and using them as human shields.
A vice president spokesman says the MNLF leader Nur Misuari has not set any conditions in exchange for agreeing to discuss a ceasefire.
President Benigno Aquino visited Zamboanga on Friday and said he is willing to talk to the rebel leader but stressed there were no shortcuts to resolving the crisis without risking heavy casualties.
"Our forces and equipment on the ground are overwhelming," Mr Aquino said.
"We're not setting a deadline but we have decisive points. If they harmed hostages, resorted to arson and crossed other lines that should not be crossed, our security forces have instructions on what to do."
The rebels have accused the government of terminating a 1996 peace deal with the MNLF by negotiating a separate peace deal with a rival faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
ABC/AFP
Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, philippines, asia
First posted September 14, 2013 10:37:15
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