MANILA, Philippines — Peace and unity talks initiated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have resumed in the Philippines, with the latest round taking place in Zamboanga City.

The two Muslim groups' conciliatory meetings started after OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo asked to them to unite and coordinate their efforts for peace to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

During 38th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held on June 28-30, 2011 in Astana, Kazakhstan, the OIC foreign ministers issued Resolution No. 28-MM covering the "Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines" for the two groups' "joint coordination and collaboration.”

As this developed, an unnamed source said the government and the MILF are scheduled to continue their exploratory talks in Malaysia on Jan. 9 to 11, 2012, to discuss "substantive issues" on the 14-year-old peace process.

The source said the government and MILF peace panels will be discussing form of governance, sharing of power, sharing of wealth, and territory for a Moro governance that is within the Philippines' sovereignty, not of independence.

Last Dec. 6-7, MILF and MNLF representatives met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under the OIC's auspices to further their unity efforts.

The groups' representatives also met at Maharlika Village, Taguig City, in November, and in Davao City in October. Their latest meeting was held last Dec. 15 in Zamboanga City.