Philippine media are reporting that a meeting was recently held between a US Embassy official and the head of the MILF, and that the meeting was held without the consent or knowledge of the Philippine Government or military. Other reports suggest that the MILF is openly requesting a US role in peace talks, a few (though I can't find any online) have claimed, possibly incorrectly, that the US is seeking such a role.

A typical example of the reporting on the meeting:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquire...in-peace-talks

Some editorial reactions, from sources that might generally be described as moderate, even conservative

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/op...the-enemy.html

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php...s-double-edged

The reactions highlight some of the problems inherent in trying to balance the perceived need to resolve issues motivation the MILF with Philippine public opinion overall, which regards the MILF as an entity dedicated to trying to divide the Republic and suspects the US of conspiring to aid and abet the process.