Malaysia to assess RP rebellion

Malaysia to assess RP rebellion

MALAYSIA: Malaysia will soon send a team to assess the Muslim separatist rebellion in Mindanao in the southern Philippines before deciding whether to deploy cease-fire monitors there, a minister said on Thursday.

Defense minister Najib Razak said the reconnaissance team would be sent after the Muslim festival of Idul Fitri, which is likely to be celebrated in Malaysia on Nov. 25, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

"The prime minister and certain members of the Cabinet are aware that there has been a formal request by the Philippines for us to participate as a monitoring team. In principle, we have to assess the situation on the ground," Najib was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

The government will only decide on sending monitors after the reconnaissance team reports, he said, adding that the decision was also subject to the progress of talks between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. -- AFP