MANILA - Philippine forces were yesterday poised to launch an assault on Muslim separatists after a deadline passed for the rebels to surrender those behind a fatal ambush of 14 Marines two weeks ago.

The military had given the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) until Sunday to hand over those involved in the July 10 ambush on the southern island of Basilan or face a massive offensive. The rebels however rejected the warning and said they were prepared for all-out war.

Ten of the Marines were later mutilated and beheaded, triggering a wave of public condemnation in this mostly Roman Catholic country.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said Monday he hoped the separatists would back down and surrender those involved before the troops moved in.

Gonzales said the government had already submitted a list of those they were after to the MILF leadership.

"We want these names surrendered," Gonzales said in a television interview.

"All I want is that those who were responsible for the beheading of the Marines be brought to justice.

"I am appealing to the MILF that the sooner they turn over these people, the better," Gonzales said.

"Our forces are already poised in Basilan. We will take these people whoever and wherever they are," he said.

He said troops would be pulled back once those involved in the clash surrendered, stressing the government remained committed to the peace process aimed at ending the MILF's 29-year insurgency.

"We are hoping the MILF would not link the peace talks to the beheadings in Basilan. They can't use the peace talks as an excuse to continue injustice," he said.

The Marines were caught in a heavy ambush on their way to barracks on July 10, after the MILF claimed they strayed into rebel territory without prior notice as called for under a three-year-old truce.

The military claims the MILF were backed by Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants, who are blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks.*AFP

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