Thousands of supporters and fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), an Islamist movement pushing for autonomy in the south, have gathered to discuss the waning prospects for peace with the central government.

Ibrahim Murad, the movement's chairman, says he is willing to offer concessions, but will not give up the right to self- government, a demand that would require a constitutional amendment the government is not willing to make.

Murda says the next leadership of the MILF may not be as willing to compromise as he has over the past three years of negotiations.

Jamela Alindogan reports from Sultan Kudarat.