International human rights organization Amnesty International (AI)–Philippines on Thursday appealed to both the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) troops to ensure civilians’ human rights are protected despite a Senate hearing on Friday on the possible suspension on the resumption of the peace talks between the two parties.

The AI said a Senate hearing will take place today at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City on the suspension on the resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and MILF.

“The ceasefire which started in July 2009 provided a much-awaited respite not only to human rights and humanitarian groups inside and outside Central Mindanao but most specially the people affected by the armed conflict. Amnesty International Philippines would like to believe that despite the suspension of the peace talks, GRP and MILF will still consider as top priority the recommendations outlined in our report “Shattered Lives beyond the 2008-2009 Mindanao Armed Conflict” said Dr. Aurora Parong, director of Amnesty International-Philippines.

“We hope the Senate hearing in Zamboanga will discuss how the government can effectively conduct impartial investigations to reported violations of both the military and MILF. It should also take into consideration the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who do not have access to adequate food and safe water,” she added.

According to the human rights organization, the ceasefire between the troops of the Philippine military and the MILF has not improved the humanitarian situation of IDPs in war-torn areas of Mindanao.