MANILA — The Philippine government and the country's largest Muslim group say they are optimistic they can forge a peace agreement this year despite differences over how to peacefully settle the decades-long insurrection. Presidential adviser Teresita Deles said Sunday government negotiators and the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were taking steps to resolve key differences, including the extent of power to be given to a Muslim autonomous region in the south. Deles spoke on the sidelines of a welcoming ceremony for 15 Indonesian army soldiers and civilian conflict-resolution experts who arrived in Manila to join an international contingent safeguarding a cease-fire between Philippine troops and the rebels. Rebel negotiator Mohagher Iqbal says he shares Deles's optimism. He says the Indonesian truce monitors can help create an atmosphere conducive to peace talks. Gun ban for ARMM's new voters' listing The gun ban is on in preparation for the new registration of voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) but it will not be enforced only in the ARMM provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan but in non-ARMM neighbors as well. Comelec Resolution 9479, promulgated on June 27, provides that the gun ban in connection with the new voters' listing will be from July 1 to 31 in the ARMM and the cities of Cotabato, Zamboanga and Isabela and the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato. Resolution 9479 provides the rules and regulations on the “bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in connection with the general registration of voters in the ARMM.” — Agencies
