Manila wary on rebel ceasefire

The conflict has claimed over 120,000 lives

Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines have launched a 10 day ceasefire, but their motives have been treated with scepticism by the government.

"It may be a ploy to allow a reconciliation of troops and resources," said President Gloria Arroyo, as she vowed to continue aerial and artillery bombardments of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The ceasefire began at midnight on 1 June, but just nine hours later there was a clash between government forces and the MILF near the town of South Upi.

The MILF ceasefire is the first attempt by the rebels to restart the peace process since informal talks broke down in May, following a major offensive by government forces.

Eid Kabalu, spokesman for the MILF told the Associated Press that he was hopeful that the ceasefire would lead to a final settlement.

"A lot of people are clamouring for peace but the ball is now in the government's hands, " said Mr Kabalu.

The government, however, remains unconvinced by the truce.

"The declaration of a temporary truce does not necessarily signal a sincere desire for peace," said President Arroyo in a statement.

She said she was committed to continuing military action against rebels units who had committed acts of terrorism would still be "subjected to punitive action".

Manila blames the MILF for a series of attacks on civilians in the area, and has urged the rebels to disavow links to the extremist Jemaah Islamiah and the Al Qaeda network.

But Eid Kabalu denied that the MILF has any links to international terrorism.

"They are fabricating linkages to pin us down as a terrorist group, but we are a legitimate revolutionary organisation and we will survive this propaganda", he said.

The MILF has been fighting for an Islamic state in the southern Philippines since 1978.