The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should not stand in the way of government troops pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits following reports of its alleged involvement in the bloody firefight in Basilan last week, Malacanang said on Sunday.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Muslim separatist group should instead assist the government in its crackdown against the Abu Sayyaf Group responsible for a string of atrocities in Mindanao.

Remonde said they still believe in MILF’s sincere efforts to jumpstart the peace negotiations with the government despite earlier accusations that its forces were aiding the Abu Sayyaf rebels being pursued by the military.

“Tayo ay nakikiisa sa layunin ng MILF na magkakaroon na tayo ng kasunduang pangkapayapaan at tayo ay nanawagan sa MILF na tumulong sa ating puwersa ng gobyerno sa paglilinis sa Basilan ng mga terorista at mga lawless elements na Abu Sayyaf,” Remonde said over government radio.

At least 23 soldiers and 31 rebels were killed in the fighting that erupted when government forces assaulted Abu Sayyaf camps in Basilan last Wednesday.

The military has accused the MILF of aiding the Abu Sayyaf rebels during the firefight in Basilan in violation of a ceasefire pact. The MILF said, however, it was merely defending its territory when the military troops failed to coordinate their offensives against the Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Remonde said President Arroyo has directed the military to intensify offensives against the Abu Sayyaf rebels and extend assistance to families displaced by the conflict in Mindanao.

The President flew to Zamboanga City last Saturday to pay tribute to 23 troops killed in a recent gun battle and commended goverment forces for overrunning the two bandit camps which reportedly served as a stronghold and a bomb factory for the Abu Sayyaf on Basilan.

“The President directed the AFP that the war on terror in Basilan should be rapidly concluded and all efforts should be focused on annihilating terrorism not only in Basilan but in all parts of the country,” Remonde said.

Apart from the strong military offensives, Remonde said the President also asked concerned government agencies to step up development aid in the conflict-torn areas in the south. He said the President asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide aid to the families who fled their homes due to the renewed fighting between the troops and the rebels.

Remonde, however, was silent when asked if the President intends to increase the military budget to properly equip and feed soldiers pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Mindanao.