The Philippine government and Muslim rebel peace negotiators today met in Malaysia amid escalating tensions triggered by recent clashes between soldiers and guerrillas that killed nearly 50 people.

Ghazali Jaafar, vice-chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said the two panels have no specific agenda but might discuss the recent clashes between MILF fighters and government troops.

“As far as the MILF is concerned the priority agenda is the political solution to the problem of the Bangsamoro (Muslim nation) people,” he said.

Ghazali added that as long as the two sides continue talking, there is reason to be optimistic about a negotiated political solution to the nearly four decades of Islamic insurgency in the strife-torn southern region of Mindanao.

Recent clashes between MILF fighters and government troops broke out last month when 19 soldiers were killed during an attack on a rebel camp in Basilan province, 900km south of Manila. Five guerrillas were also killed in the clashes.

Fighting also erupted in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Lanao del Norte, where 33 soldiers, MILF guerrillas and civilians were killed. The hostilities caused more than 20,000 people to flee their homes.

The 12,000-strong MILF has been fighting for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao since 1978. It entered into peace negotiations with the government in 1997.

- dpa