Philippines, Muslim rebels reach preliminary agreement on peace

7 October 2012, 10:57 (GMT+05:00)

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The government and Muslim separatist rebels reached a preliminary agreement toward resolving a decades-old insurgency in the southern Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III said Sunday, dpa reported.

Aquino said the agreement seeks to correct problems that have plagued the Mindanao region for three decades, including replacing an existing autonomous Muslim region with a new political entity.

"This framework agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao," he said. "It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aspire for a separate state."

"This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning work stations and opening doorways of opportunity for other citizens," Aquino said.

Presidential adviser Ging Deles said negotiators would sign the pact next week after details are published for public comment. d