Gov't asks Moro rebels to join peace process

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government today called on the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to surrender and take part in the ongoing peace process.

Miriam Colonel-Ferrer, head of the Philippine government's peace panel, said local government officials are "ready" to receive those who would like to "silence their guns" and participate in programs that will be implemented as part of a peace accord with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The BIFF is a rogue group that broke away from the MILF in December 2010 after the latter gave up its fight for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao.

"We call on the members and leaders of the BIFF to put down their arms and be part of the peace process. We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance," said Ferrer.

She said BIFF members may also get in touch with supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to "normal" lives.

The Philippine military launched operations against the BIFF in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao barely a day after the government and the MILF signed the last annex of a draft peace accord and the addendum to Bangsamoro waters on Jan. 25.

Military officials said about 40 BIFF members have been killed in the clashes between government troops and the rebel group.