KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Representatives of the Philippines government resumed negotiations Monday (July 8th) with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), focusing on key issues regarding wealth- and power-sharing and normalisation, local media reported.

"The fact that we are here shows we are committed, but the issues are really tough. But as long as both sides focus on problem-solving, we should be able to arrive at something," MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told Rappler.com before the formal meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer told ANC, "At the end of it, we will have to balance our respective parting points. That's the whole essence of an agreement – you come to terms with each other's needs and interests as well as constraints and possibilities. To that extent, I think we are both very hopeful," he said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine military halted its operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the armed wing of a breakaway MILF faction, in order to observe the start of Ramadan.

In a text message to reporters, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the military "will keep the peace during Ramadan" but "will act accordingly should harassment continue to persist," GMA News reported. Five Philippine soldiers and three rebels were killed in recent clashes.