MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government has signed a peace accord with the country's largest Muslim rebel group, formally ending decades of conflict in parts of a southern region.
President Benigno Aquino III and rebel leaders witnessed the signing Thursday in the presidential palace in Manila.
Talks on the deal began in 2001 and a cease-fire has been in place since 1997.
The agreement will create an autonomous Muslim region in a large part of the southern Mindanao region.
The signing is a major political victory for Aquino midway into his six-year term, but much work remains to ensure the accord's full implementation.
Mindanao is home to other insurgent groups, at least one of which has vowed to keep fighting.
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.