MANILA, Philippines – The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has expressed deep concern over increasing violence in Mindanao as a result of continued military operations against Moro guerrillas.

In a statement issued by Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, OIC secretary-general, recently, the OIC said the uninterrupted military operations have resulted in the displacement of more than 500,000 civilians who now live in shelters in dire conditions.

Ihsanoglu warned that this could fuel extremism.

He urged the Philippine government and President Macapagal-Arroyo to return to the negotiating table to “work out creative solutions matching agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the requirements of the Supreme Court.”

He also called upon the leadership of the MILF to work with the government to save the peace process from finally collapsing.

The statement quoted Ihsanoglu as saying he would “mobilize resources from OIC affiliated institutions… to alleviate the suffering of the displaced population.”

On Monday, Malacañang said it was prepared to return to the negotiating table with the MILF “as soon as positive results are gathered from the ongoing consultations with stakeholders and affected communities in Mindanao.”

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said this was what President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo told US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during their meeting Saturday in Lima, Peru where they attended the Asia Pacific Economic Conference Leaders’ Summit.

Dureza said the President explained to Rice the new tack of her administration in pursuing peace talks with the Muslim rebels, which is based on more authentic consultations, and not dictated by any armed group.

“There might be a new announcement very soon about the resumption of peace talks with the MILF,” said Dureza.