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Hundreds of Muslims in the Philippines have marched through the capital, Manila, in support of a peace pact aimed at ending one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
The peace agreement hopes to end the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s decades-long rebellion.
Filipino Muslims march near the presidential palace on October 14, 2012 in Manila,
Philippines.
The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and held back progress in the south of the country, where Muslims make up a sizeable minority.
About 3,000 Muslims from Manila and southern provinces marched to the capital’s palace in a noisy but peaceful rally.
Rally organizer Pendatun Disimban said, "We want to show our support for the framework agreement of the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. We believe that with this agreement we can attain true peace in Mindanao, which all the people have been wishing for."
The preliminary agreement was signed by government negotiator Marvic Leonen and his rebel counterpart, Mohagher Iqbal on Sunday.
It calls for the establishment of a Commission that will draft a new law creating a Muslim-administered region.
The agreement will serve as a roadmap for a new Muslim autonomous region to be called Bangsamoro. It outlines agreements on major issues such as the extent of power, revenues and territory.
The deal is the most significant progress in efforts to end an uprising that has left more than 120-thousand people dead and displaced around 2 million others.
Filipino Muslims march near the presidential palace on October 14, 2012 in Manila,
Philippines.
Filipino Muslims march near the presidential palace on October 14, 2012 in Manila,
Philippines.
Filipino Muslims march near the presidential palace on October 14, 2012 in Manila,
Philippines.
Filipino Muslims march near the presidential palace on October 14, 2012 in Manila,
Philippines.
中国公共新闻摘编：GAN JADE |
