The separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has prepared a strong line of defence in case the Philippine government allows U.S. troops to be used against them in central Mindanao, said a spokesman yesterday.

"We are on defensive since we are holding negotiations with the government, but in the event that the U.S. troops be used against us, we are ready to adopt necessary measures to defend ourselves," said MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu, in a radio interview.

"There are fears that the American troops will be used against us," said Kabalu, adding: "The MILF perceives this (kind U.S. assistance) as an internal affair of the government so we are not meddling in this."

In February, more than 100 U.S. anti-terrorist troops will be deployed to assist government troops of the southern command in Zamboanga City, to fight the Abu Sayyaf which is holding two Americans and one Filipina in nearby Basilan.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been criticised for having allowed the holding of joint exercises between the U.S. and Philippine troops in Basilan, adding it is unconstitutional since it would pave the way for the entry of American soldiers in the war zone in Mindanao where three Moro separatist groups are based.

"There are ongoing discussions on the mechanisms of the ceasefire agreement. We're resuming discussions (on that) on February 11," said Kabalu, when asked about the status of the on and off talks.

The coordinating committees on the cessation of hostilities have been holding discussions on the formation of the local monitoring teams, which will look into possible violations of the cease fire agreement, committed by either camps.

"We're expecting the resumption of the formal talks within the first quarter of this year," said Kabalu, adding: "Both panels have not set any deadlines for the formal negotiations, so I think that both panels are taking time to think about their respective positions on issues," he said, when asked about the start of the formal talks beyond the ceasefire agreement which was first signed in 1997.