Even though the MILF ceasefire has been imperfect, the government has agreed to a truce so that there can be peace talks in Malaysia.
Some 70 NPA rebels attacked a palm oil plantation, burning equipment and stealing motorcycles and other portable gear. The rebels were punishing the plantation owners for not giving in to extortion demands. The NPA has had to rely more on extortion because American counter-terrorism activities have dried up many of their usual overseas money sources.
