Asia-Pacific News

Oct 28, 2009, 4:30 GMT

Separatist Muslim rebels in Philippines agree to protect civilians

Manila - The Philippines government and Muslim separatist rebels have agreed to ensure the protection of civilians in the country's strife-torn southern region, a joint statement said Wednesday. The agreement obliged government security forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to 'refrain from intentionally targeting or attacking non-combatants' in times of fighting in the southern region of Mindanao. It also called on both parties to refrain from attacking civilian properties, hospitals, schools, religious premises as well as food distribution centres and other civilian facilities. The signing of the agreement was one of the preconditions set up by the MILF before returning to the negotiating table. Peace talks between the government and the MILF have been stalled since August last year after guerrillas seized villages and attacked towns to protest the signing of a key territory agreement. More than 300 people were killed in the attacks and subsequent fighting and more than 500,000 people were affected by the clashes. The signing of the agreement was expected to boost efforts of the government to restart the peace talks. The MILF has been fighting for the establishment of an independent Islamic state in the southern region of Mindanao. It entered into peace negotiations with government in 1997.

And Also

Look Back at the Worst Celebrity Breakups

Look Back at the Worst Celebrity Breakups - PopEater
Friendster on the verge of $100 million buyout? - The Tech Herald
Tom Hanks Stands Up For A Classic, Torpedoes Spielberg's Harvey Remake - Cinema Blend
'Scrubs' Star Judy Reyes Has Baby Girl - PopEater
A&E series 'Hoarders' and 'Intervention' premiere Monday, Nov. 30th, preview

Your Talkback on this Story

Similar articles

Three soldiers killed in Philippine clash
Philippines to resume talks with Muslim rebels next week
Seven security personnel injured in attack in eastern Philippines
Two Philippine militiamen killed in communist rebel attack
Two militiamen killed in communist rebel attack in Philippines

Latest Headlines in Asia-Pacific

Older Talkback

Asia-Pacific: Index

: News; Features

Latest Pics

Peter Facinelli

Kate Beckinsale

From Sites we Like

no articles available.

More Not News from Fark

In Monsters and Critics

: Arts; Books; DVD; Gaming; Lifestyle; Movies; Music; News; People; Science & Nature; Sport; TV; Archives
Other Languages and Sites: Deutschland (Monsters and Critics); The Tech Herald; Free Games

Entertainment: Arts; Books; DVD; Gaming; Movies; Music; People; Soundtracks; TV
Media: Celebrity Photos; Movie Pictures; Movie Trailers; Movie Posters; Theatre Stills; Celebrity Video; Music Video
Released this week: Movies - USA; Movies - UK; DVD - USA
Distractions: Online Games; Daily Crossword; Sudoku Classic; Daily Jigsaw

World News: US; UK; Americas; Europe; Middle East; Asia Pacific; South Asia; Africa; Business; Education; Health
Science and Tech: Science and Nature; Technology
Lifestyle: Autos; Fashion; Life; Travel

Corporate

: About; Advertise; Contact; The Team; Vacancies; Privacy; RSS; Site Map; Terms; Webmasters

The Fine Print

© 2003 - 2009 by Monsters and Critics.com, WotR Ltd. All Rights Reserved. All photos are copyright their respective owners and are used under license or with permission. * Note M&C cannot be held responsible for the content on other Web Sites.

Servers supplied by Servint