Under fire for its alleged role helping the Abu Sayyaf Group in the bloody Basilan fighting last week, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is willing and ready to assist the government in the campaign to neutralize the bandit group.

Eid Kabalu, MILF spokesman for military affairs, said in text messages to the Manila Bulletin that his group had done this in the past through the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group which expired in November 2007.

"We are ready to work with GRP (government of the Republic of the Philippines) through the peace process," said Kabalu, explaining that the AHJAG must first be revived by the peace panels of the GRP and MILF from which it derived is mandate renewal every year.

"Our commitment is built in with peace process as provided for in the AHJAG. But this is dependent on the progress of the negotiations that have yet to officially convene," Kabalu, also chief of civilian-military affairs chief of the MILF, said.

House Deputy Speaker Simeon A. Datumanong welcomed the idea about the MILF helping the government in the drive against criminal groups.

"It will be a fine demonstration of sincerity for the sake of peace if the MILF helps the government's drive against the Abu Sayyaf, considering that the Abu Sayyaf's objectives of kidnapping for ransom and terrorism are not welcome by the MILF," said the Maguindanao solon.

On Sunday, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the MILF should not get in the way of GRP's drive versus the ASG.

"Tayo ay nakikiisa sa layunin ng MILF na magkakaroon na tayo ng kasunduang pangkapayapaan at tayo ay nanawagan sa MILF na tumulong sa ating puwersang gobyerno sa paglilinis sa Basilan sa mga terrorista at mga lawless elements na Abu Sayyaf," said Remonde.

Last week’s fighting killed at least 23 government troopers and some 31 ASG members, including at least nine MILF rebels.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines accused the MILF in Basilan of aiding the ASG. The MILF on the other hand said the AFP attacked their camp near the ASG lair.

On the other hand, Assalam Bangsamoso Peace Association president Pendatun Disimban said the best alternative is for GRP, MILF, and ASG to stop fighting and engage in a dialogue.

"It is better for GRP to eliminate poverty in Mindanao and address the concerns of the Mindanaoans, particularly the Moro people and the Lumads, who are victims of injustice, inequity, and discrimination," the ABPA official said.