MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Saying it respects the Supreme Court’s temporary restraining order (TRO) against the signing of a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Malacañang on Monday said it would use the extra time to woo those opposed to the accord.

"We submit to the sound discretion of the Supreme Court. It's the ultimate arbiter of issues," Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said in a phone patch interview.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu called the TRO a “setback” to the peace negotiations but said they are confident the government will convince the high tribunal about the rightness of the MoA.

Government Officials, led by presidential peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., are scheduled to fly to Kuala Lumpur Monday afternoon for the signing of the accord, which is seen to pave the way for the resumption of formal peace talks and the firming up of a "comprehensive compact" for a final peace agreement.

"This requires more the explanation from the government. We will let the government defend its side," Kabalu told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.

But in another interview, Kabalu said he could not predict the reaction of MILF ground commanders to the court’s decision, but offered assurances that the ruling would not discourage the MILF from pursuing the accord with the government.

“I cannot say how big or how deep it is, but this is a setback,” Kabalu said in a phone interview.

“But we are committed to a peaceful resolution not withstanding the TRO,” he added.

The MoA was set for signing in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Asked how this development would affect the security situation in Mindanao, Kabalu said: "Hindi natin masabing meron, hindi natin masabing wala [We can't say whether or not there will be an effect]. But we are monitoring the situation."

Kabalu added that news of the TRO had not reached their commanders on the ground.

Skirmishes between government troops and the rebels continued in central Mindanao, mostly in North Cotabato province, despite developments in the peace talks.

Quoting Army data, Lieutenant General Victor Ibrado said 27 skirmishes between government and MILF forces have been recorded in the area from June 13 to August 3.

The clashes have left four civilians dead and four other wounded in the crossfire, with no reported casualties among the combatants, Ibrado said.

Dureza called the extra time afforded by the TRO a "good opportunity for issue to be threshed out" and would provide a venue for the government to explain why there should be an agreement on ancestral domain, which would lead to the creation of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

"This is a relief as a whole; this will allow dispassionate, objective discussion on the merits of issues surrounding the agreement," he said.

The high court TRO is in connection with a petition filed by officials of North Cotabato province, led by Governor Jesus Sacdalan and Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol, who asked that government negotiators and Esperon be compelled to disclose the details of the agreement before it is signed.

In their petition, the North Cotabato officials said there has been "general public ignorance" about the contents of the agreement. They also protested the inclusion of parts of the province in the BJE, calling it "ill-advised."

On Monday, officials of Zamboanga City filed their own petition against the MoA.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition, also said they are filing a petition against the accord.