Philippine government seeks stabilization

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Resisting calls to engage in a full military assault, the president of the Philippines has promised to protect civilians during a conflict with rebels.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called on military commanders working to stabilize a recent flare-up of violence with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front to resist any escalation beyond containment in order to protect civilians in the country's south, the Philippine government reported.

MILF rebels recently waged attacks in the Philippines' North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao and Sarangani provinces. Concerns over the threat posed to civilians if MILF rebels respond violently to a full operational front by the Philippine armed forces prompted Arroyo to call for a continuation of negotiations.

Philippine Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita echoed Arroyo's statement, saying the peace negotiations must remain a priority.

"While the government's military and police forces are complying with the president's directive to neutralize the two erring commanders and other recalcitrant leaders and members of the MILF at all cost, their (the military) objectives shall be for the safety and security of civilians and the immediate restoration of peace, order and security in the affected areas," Ermita said in a statement.