Philippine Rebel Leader Dead, Peace Talks Intact

MANILA (Reuters) - The largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines said on Tuesday its leader died of a heart attack several weeks ago but that it remained committed to resuming peace talks with the government.

Hashim Salamat died on the morning of July 13, Ghazali Jaafar, chief political officer of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), told a church-run radio station on the strife-torn southern island of Mindanao.

Al Haj Murad, the group's military chief, had been named to replace Salamat as chairman, Jaafar said.

"We are still determined to achieve lasting peace and our commitment to resume peace talks has not changed," Eid Kabalu, the MILF's spokesman, told local television.

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