MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang called on the nation to pray for peace as the country's Muslim population marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

"As we come to the end of the most venerated and holy month of Ramadan, the Palace sends its greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters and the Islamic world on the joyous Eid'l Fitr, and enjoins the whole nation to pray for guidance and peace," deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said in a statement.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared Eid'l Fitr, which marks the end of the month-long Ramadan, on Wednesday as a regular non-working holiday nationwide.

Sporadic clashes between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters continued in Central Mindanao throughout Ramadan as the military pressed on with offensives against rebel commanders accused of leading attacks on civilian communities in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte provinces in early August.

Some quarters have voiced concern that the end of Ramadan would mark the intensification of hostilities in Central Mindanao.