Philippine and Muslim separatist negotiators will meet in Malaysia this week to discuss recent deadly clashes that have endangered years long peace talks and ways to prevent more fighting.
Presidential peace talks adviser Teresita Deles said on Sunday the meeting was supposed to focus on how to push the talks forward amid key differences. An Oct. 18 clash that killed 19 soldiers and six Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas on southern Basilan island has been included in the agenda.
The heavy military loss in Basilan's Al-Barka town led to calls for President Benigno Aquino III to break a truce and order an offensive against the rebels.
Aquino rejected the calls and decided to pursue talks. He ordered a probe to find out what sparked the Al-Barka fighting.