27 August 2016

News Story: Philippine gov't, rebels sign cease-fire deal

OSLO, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government and communist rebels signed a cease-fire agreement on Friday after week-long peace talks in Oslo to end Asia's longest-running insurgency, NTB news agency reported.

In a joint declaration, the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the umbrella organization of Marxist groups including the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed group, the New People's Army, said they have agreed on a cease-fire with no time constraints.

The declaration also marks the beginning of a new round of formal peace talks between them, said the report. The two parties agreed to meet again in Oslo on Oct. 8 to deal with some remaining tough questions, it added.

As Rodrigo Duterte became new Philippine president this June, his administration is keen to forge peace with the rebels.

Read the full story at Xinhua