Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sept 7, SPA -- Malaysia will begindeploying a 60-member team this week to the southernPhilippines to monitor a truce between the Philippinegovernment and Muslim separatists, a report saidTuesday. The cease-fire took effect last year, and mainly IslamicMalaysia agreed to host peace talks and lead internationalmonitors on Mindanao island, where the rebels are based. Defense minister Najib Razak said a team of 60 militaryand police officials and diplomats will begin leaving forthe southern Philippines in batches on Friday, the Bernamanews agency reported. He said the whole Malaysiancontingent would be in the southern Philippines by Oct. 9. Malaysia will try to get several other countries involvedin the international peace-monitoring force, said Najib,who is also deputy prime minister. He did not identify thecountries. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been fighting for aseparate Muslim homeland for the last three decades. The rebels said Monday they have agreed to resume formaltalks with the Philippine government.--SPA1420 Local Time 1120 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/198975