Philippines Prepares for Historic Peace Deal

Benigno Aquino III, president of the Philippines, signed a historic agreement with the country’s largest rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, mediated by Malaysia and a team of international observers. Aquino was initially criticized for meeting with the rebel leader. “Supporters hope the deal creating the autonomous Bangsamoro region will bring an end to 40 years of armed conflict in Mindanao that has killed at least 120,000 people and displaced more than two million,” reports Ted Regencia for Al Jazeera. A negotiator for the government notes that “Aquino understands that only a ‘meaningful autonomy’ for the Philippines' estimated 10.3 million Muslims can bring peace in the restive southern islands, and drive economic growth in a region long considered to be the poorest in the country.” The CIA World Factbook reports that the Philippines is 83 percent Catholic and 5 percent Muslim. MILF accepted a smaller territory than previously demanded, and Bangsamoro will have its own budget and police powers. – YaleGlobal