A long awaited peace deal has been agreed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, signalling what many hope will be the end to a 40-year-long violent conflict.
The deal, which saw initials talks begin in October 2012, will see the creation of an autonomous Muslim region in the south of the country, as well as large shares of revenue generated from the resource rich region given to local authorities. Fighters from the organisation are also expected to merge with Philippine government forces, whilst others are to gradually disarm through a third party.
Though the deal is yet to be approved by the Philippine congress and through a plebiscite in the region, many expect it to go through without hindrance.
Reminders of the failed peace deal in 1996 with the Moro National Liberation Front still remain though, with other militant organisations including the MNLF refusing to join the agreement.
However, the deal seems hopeful for now, with US Secretary of State John Kerry saying in a statement,
The deal, which saw initials talks begin in October 2012, will see the creation of an autonomous Muslim region in the south of the country, as well as large shares of revenue generated from the resource rich region given to local authorities. Fighters from the organisation are also expected to merge with Philippine government forces, whilst others are to gradually disarm through a third party.
Though the deal is yet to be approved by the Philippine congress and through a plebiscite in the region, many expect it to go through without hindrance.
Reminders of the failed peace deal in 1996 with the Moro National Liberation Front still remain though, with other militant organisations including the MNLF refusing to join the agreement.
However, the deal seems hopeful for now, with US Secretary of State John Kerry saying in a statement,
"This agreement offers the promise of peace, security, and economic prosperity now and for future generations in Mindanao".