Phillipino militants trained in Pakistan

Musharraf and Arroyo to sign MOU against terrorism

The two leaders will discuss expanding counterterrorism cooperation, the promotion of interfaith dialogue and the ongoing peace process between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been fighting for a separate Muslim homeland in the south for decades, said the Philippine government in a statement.

The talks also will include the Philippines’ bid for observer status in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, of which Pakistan is a key member.

Filipino militants have trained in Pakistan in the past and security experts say the southern Philippines is a haven for militants of various nationalities. Hashim Salamat, the late founder of the MILF, lived in Pakistan for several years. “Pakistan is one of the major problems for the Philippines,” said a former intelligence official asking not to be named. ap