The Philippines government appears to be adopting the 'carrot and stick' policy to handle Nur Misuari, outgoing Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Governor, now arrested in Malaysia, following his renewal of the armed struggle in Jolo on November 19.

"If he promises to help in the country's peace efforts, he will get different treatment. There will be more leeway," said Vice President and Foreign Undersecretary, Teofisto Guingona. "What we need today is peace."

Earlier, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would wait for the establishment of the new set of local leaders of the autonomous region, following the conclusion of the November 26 polls, before deciding whether Misuari should be allowed to come home or not.

Presidential Spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao, on the other hand, said the Philippines government has asked for Misuari's return on the day he was arrested for illegal entry in Jampiras off Sabah, on November 24.

The justice department has compiled "documentary evidence" against Misuari, who could be charged with rebellion and jailed for 20 years if it is proved he plotted and led attacks on the army headquarters, and several military and police installations which killed 113 people in Jolo, Sulu on November 19.

Conflicting statements coming from the executive level is a sign that the Arroyo administration has begun implementing the carrot and stick policy on Misuari.

At the same time, the Malaysian authorities are also testing the Philippines, as they gave various conflicting statements on Misuari's fate.

"We will deport him as soon as the government of the Philippines is ready to receive him. We don't want to keep him too long," said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Deporting Misuari is "not a problem" even if the Philippines and Malaysia have no extradition treaty, said Badawi.

Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Mahathir said the absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries could be a problem in bringing Misuari back to Mindanao.

Malaysian authorities have yet to formally file charges of illegal entry against Misuari, but reports said he would be questioned on his alleged involvement in the Abu Sayyaf Group's hostage taking of 20 mostly foreign nationals from Sipadan, Sabah, and several Malaysians in Pandanan, also in Sabah, in April and September last year.

Noting this, Lanao del Norte Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo said he would not be surprised if the Organisation of Islamic Conference intervenes on Misuari's behalf.

"This is expected of the OIC because it recognises Misuari as the leader of the Moro National Liberation Front," said Dimaporo.

Malaysia is believed to be partial to Parouk Hussin, who led a 15-man council in ousting Misuari as MNLF chairman in April.

"For as long as Misuari is alive, he will always be recognised by the MNLF and the OIC," said Dimaporo.

If the government wants peace in Mindanao it should drop the planned rebellion charges against Misuari, said Dimaporo.

Julhambrie Misuari who led the hostage taking of 118 people in Kabatangan Complex last November 27, aired the same demand.

"The government has no choice but to give him immunity," said Dimaporo, adding this would persuade Misuari to come back to the country and talk peace again."

The other solution is for the Philippines to elevate the Misuari issue to the OIC ministerial level – the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Libya, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Senegal and Somalia.

The Philippines government or the OIC could initiate the discussion, said Dimaporo.