MANILA, Philippines - More and more Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels are joining the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the latter claimed.

"More and more MNLF forces are expected to join the MILF in the coming months due to lack of clear line of the current MNLF political leadership for the emancipation of the Bangsamoro people from the tyranny of the unitary setup in Manila," MILF said in its website.

Around 300 rebels moved into the MILF fold in the last few weeks, it said.

About 120 of them were led by commanders Mahad Maharail and Abdul Sajili, who were formerly under the command of MNLF political officer Abuhambri Taddik, the MILF said.

Another 193 MNLF rebels also joined the MILF after another meeting in Talipao town. This batch had belonged to the group of MNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik operating in Luuk town.

Malik is a known loyal follower of Nur Misuari, who was removed by the mainstream MNLF as their chairman many years ago. The MNLF has since then signed a peace accord with the government.

Asked for comment, newly-installed Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes said they are still validating the information.

He noted that the MILF website contains propaganda.