MILF says peace talks still on

President Benigno Aquino talks to MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim during their meeting on August 4 in Tokyo. AP/Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine government and Muslim rebels say peace talks have not broken down despite rebel negotiators recommending the rejection of a government plan for autonomy in the country’s south.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Murad Ebrahim said “the negotiation is still on.”

He said Friday the group’s central committee has not yet decided on their negotiators’ recommendation to reject the proposal for autonomy. The rebels want a substate.

Chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said the proposal was a starting point and “we are ready, willing and able to negotiate.”

He said the government is waiting for the rebels to respond to a proposal to meet again this month.