Conflict-affected areas in the southern part of the country have been relatively peaceful since the government declared last week a suspension of military offensives in Mindanao, which was reciprocated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with its own suspension of military actions, the military said yesterday.

The informal truce is in preparation for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the MILF.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office said that since the announcement of the government’s SOMO Thursday, there have been no reported clashes between government troops and the MILF or any other armed group in Mindanao.

“So far, since the AFP declared a SOMO as ordered by our Commander- in-Chief, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and the subsequent declaration also of the MILF of their SOMA or the suspension of offensive military actions on their part, there have been no incidents, violent incidents between the AFP and the MILF group, as well as with the lawless MILF group,” he said.

Brawner said this is an indication that the ceasefire is holding, adding, “We are hopeful that the talks will resume very soon.”

Brawner said the AFP is “counting on the pronouncement by the MILF leadership that they have already told all of their commanders, including the commanders of the lawless MILF groups, that they will cease from attacking government installations or military camps and specifically the civilian populace.”

He said, however, that the military remains prepared in the event any of the Muslim militant groups would suddenly launch a major offensive.

“Kung mag-launch sila ng malakihang attacks, naka-ready pa rin yung military natin because we are just on active defense mode,” Brawner said, adding, “We are capable of launching a counter attack if we are attacked by the MILF or by the lawless MILF groups.

“Our main function when it comes to being on active offensive mode is to protect the civilian populace, to protect the vital installations and also the military camps.”

Brawner said pursuit operations in case they are attacked are included in their rules of engagement.

He said the government is now preparing for the resumption of the peace talks.

“We are also hoping that the other side, the MILF is also preparing for the peace talks that will happen.”