Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – A separatist group fighting for a independent
Islamic state in the southern islands of Mindanao. Splintered from the MNLF in ’77. Accused of harboring members of the Pentagon Gang – who employs kidnap and ransom methods with foreigners…
Has a cease fire with the government since just before former leader Salamat Hashim died in July ’03. Current leader is Murad Ebrahim
Regional commanders thought to be sheltering members of JI.
Shoot-out on 1.10.04 – “not condoned” by leadership of MILF, gov. also regards the ceasefire as unbroken. Thought to be carried out by regional commander Abdul Rahman Binago who’s brother, Fides Binago, leader of the Abu Sayyaf, was killed the previous week.
Peace Talks Scheduled for early Feb. this year.
http://news.inq7.net/mobile/html_output/20050110-23804.xml.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4160719.stm
http://news.inq7.net/mobile/html_output/20050208-26836.xml.html 2.09.05

Fighting has esclated on the southern island of Jolo.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4261473.stm 2.13.05

No current update on situation found.