Philippine peace negotiator resigns

Philippine soldiers are hunting the rebels who attacked Siocon

Talks aimed at ending decades of violence in the Philippines have been dealt another blow with the resignation of the government's chief negotiator.

Jesus Dureza said peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were floundering and the government needed someone who could devote more time to the job.

He also told a Philippine television channel that the MILF was on "war mode" and hinted that some factions of the group were gaining the upper hand in the leadership by advocating more violence.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Government called off talks with the rebel group - due to begin in Malaysia on Friday - after around 28 people died in an attack by the rebels.

Hostages

A hunt is under way for the perpetrators of Sunday's attack on Siocon, a remote, predominantly Christian town on southern Mindanao island.

A fierce gun battle broke out after guerrillas seized the town hall, a hospital and set fire to the public market as well as taking 57 people hostage. At least eight of the dead were civilians.

Mr Dureza, who is also the presidential assistant for Mindanao and chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council, said he was stepping aside to focus on development efforts in the war-torn island.

"I feel now that I'd like to give my best efforts to work for the development of Mindanao," Mr Dureza told the Philippine Daily Inquirer website.

"I'm wearing too many hats at the same time."

He added: "Things are problematic in the [peace] negotiations [with the MILF], I think there is need for full concentration to put the negotiation on track again... I think with somebody there [as head of the peace panel] to serve full time, the peace process can move forward."

Mr Dureza said he would submit his formal resignation letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo later on Friday.

Mrs Arroyo said there was "no rush" to replace Mr Dureza as the talks in Malaysia had been scrapped.