Muslim rebels said Wednesday that their followers want them to negotiate for self-rule in the southern Philippines under a number of proposals, including full independence, to end decades of separatist rebellion. Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders said large numbers of followers expressed their sentiments during a three-day assembly held ahead of the resumption of Malaysian-brokered peace talks. Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said the assembly would issue a resolution Wednesday authorizing the rebels front to negotiate for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Rebel efforts to secure such grassroots permission indicate substantial progress in the talks, which have been bolstered by a two-year cease-fire, according to a report of the Associated Press.
