The committee chairmen made the announcement in a joint statement, vowing to sustain the observance of the ceasefire on the ground under an atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation which both sides have continuously nurtured in their enduring relationship.

    In the 21st executive meeting on Sept. 22-23, both sides expressed their gratitude to the Advance Administrative and Logistical Team of the International Monitoring Team from Malaysia.

    The arrival of the team signaled another important milestone inthe common request for peace in Mindanao, and the eventual deployment of the main body of the team in early October is expected to further bolster and enhance the implementation of the existing ceasefire and other related agreements, the statement said.

    The two sides also agreed to organize a trip to the reported terrorist haven Mount Cararao in Lanao del Sur after the observance of the annual Muslim feast of Ramadan as a confidence-building measure.

    Mount Cararao has been identified as the hiding place of members of the regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah. Earlier reports put the number of JI members in the area from 50 to 60 butrecent reports said the number has decreased to around 40.

    During the two-day meeting, the two sides briefed each other onthe progress of the peace process, including the draft terms of reference for the visiting International Monitoring Team, which would establish an effective and efficient coordinating mechanism among the International Monitoring Team, the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the local monitoring teams as they monitor the ongoing ceaefire agreement and the implementation of socio-economic programs in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

    The next committee executive meeting will be held in Cotabato City also in the south on Oct. 25-26.

    The Philippine government and the MILF are presently preparing for the much-awaited resumption of peace negotiations. Enditem