The Malaysian Armed Forces is ready to deploy officers to monitor a ceasefire between the Philippines and local Muslim separatists, local media reported today.

"The armed forces are always ready for whenever the government makes a decision. If the cabinet approves it, then we must be there. We are always prepared," deputy defence minister Shafie Apdal was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said this week that the Malaysian presence would "deter terrorist acts" and enable "an effective, durable ceasefire process" with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country's largest Muslim separatist group.