PETALING JAYA: Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has blamed Malaysia for the Sipadan kidnappings in 2000.

According to a report by the news portal Rappler, Misuari, 77, claimed that Malaysia was behind the kidnap-for-ransom activities in Sulu, singling out the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings that the Philippines had attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group

"Malaysia is involved in this kidnapping for ransom. Probably one day, I will drag their leaders to the ICC. I have all the evidence in my hands," Misuari was quoted in a speech at Malacañang's Rizal Ceremonial Hall Thursday afternoon.

He also claimed that Malaysia hired his "own people" and "offered them millions".

Misuari was quoted during an event organised by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who had even let him use the presidential podium while delivering his "short talk".

Duterte held talks with Misuari immediately after a court suspended a warrant for the latter's arrest, in an effort to bolster his nationwide peace process.

Misuari, who founded the MNLF in 1969, has been in hiding since his forces allegedly launched attacks on civilians in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013.

His rant comes a week before Duterte's planed visit to Malaysia.

Misuari is expected to join the peace process with the MNLF's rival group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Malaysia is a facilitator in the Bangsamoro peace deal which aims to find a peaceful solution to the decades long conflict in Mindanao.