MANILA, Philippines – The largest Muslim insurgent group in the Philippines on Sunday (September 16th) rejected al-Qaeda calls to attack US targets over the anti-Islamic film that has sparked protests around the world, AFP reported.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has instructed its 12,000 members to observe a ceasefire pact with the government, and will not attack US targets, MILF chief political officer Ghazali Jaafar said.

"We do not live in the dark ages; there are rules and laws that need to be followed," Jaafar told AFP. "We have an existing ceasefire with the Philippines, and we will not violate that."

He branded last week's killing of US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans at the US consulate in Benghazi a "senseless act of violence".

"Even in war, there are international norms that need to be accepted, including the protection of diplomats and embassies," he said while condemning those behind the amateur film that sparked the violence.