The separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stop fighting the Abu Sayyaf group, saying it was the best way for her to save the life of American hostage Jeffery Schilling.

"We are willing to give assistance to the government including the Abu Sayyaf through the official channels," said Eid Kabalu in a phone interview. Five other Muslim organisations have also denounced Arroyo's policy against the Abu Sayyaf.

"The total war policy is a violation of the international humanitarian convention as statedin Rome in 1999 with the Philippine as a signatory," said a group of Muslim religious leaders and youth groups.

This statute prohibits nations from conducting all out war which would lead to genocide and other war crimes against humanity, they said.

"The total war will definitely inflict harm on the innocent people of Muslim Mindanao," said senatorial candidate Santanina Rasul, a Muslim. But the U.S. Embassy officials supported Arroyo's hardline stance, saying it was the best proof that the Philippine government does not dignify talks with terrorist groups .

"The U.S. is in support of the total war policy of the government," said Mike Anderson, adding: "We are confident the government will resolve this so we will get this behind us. "We call on the responsible leaders of the government and people of Sulu and Basilan to work for the release of Schilling. If they continue holding him that would hurt the good people of the area," said Michael Malinowski, U.S. charge d'affairs.

On the other hand, Arroyo dodged calls for a meeting with Carol Schilling and Ivi Osani, mother and wife of Schilling, at the presidential palace. When asked if she would meet Carol Schilling, Arroyo said she would not negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf, adding the same sentiment was aired by Defence Chief Angelo Reyes, The mother flew in from Oakland, California, last week, to save her son and appeal to Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya not to behead her son.

Sabaya temporarily stayed the execution, but demanded that Arroyo call for a cessation of hostilities against his group. With this, Schilling's mother vowed to ask Arroyo to help save her son and negotiate for his release. She has been asking protocol officials to allow her to meet Arroyo.

Schilling, a university graduate and convert to Islam, is married to a distant relative of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya. Schilling and Filipino diver Roland Ullah, who was kidnapped in Malaysia on April 23, have not yet been released despite an earlier military campaign waged by former President Joseph Estrada on September 16.