Military

DATE=05/13/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PHILIPPINES REBELS DEADLINE (S)

NUMBER=2-303134

BYLINE=HEDA BAYRON

DATELINE=HONG KONG

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Philippine government has set a deadline for Muslim rebels to abandon terrorism. As V-O-A's Heda Bayron reports, the warning comes amid spiraling violence in the south.

TEXT: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has given the rebels until June 1st to prove that they want peace in the country's south. If not, she says, her government will treat the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a terrorist organization - possibly ending chances of peacefully settling 30 years of Muslim separatist conflict.

The ultimatum comes after the M-I-L-F was linked to a series of attacks against civilians and bombings over the past month. The group wants to create a separate state for the country's Muslim minority.

Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu denies the M-I-L-F is engaged in terrorist activities.

/// KABALU ACT ///

The M-I-L-F is a legitimate revolutionary organization, pursuing a legitimate cause. We are talking peace.

/// END ACT ///

Peace talks broke down after a ceasefire agreement collapsed in February. (Signed)

NEB/HB/KPD