Ceasefire Deal Signed in Philippines

The Philippine government and Maoist-led rebels signed an indefinite ceasefire agreement as part of efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost five decades and killed at least 40,000 people.

The ceasefire agreement included a timetable for talks about political, economic and constitutional reforms. The talks also mapped out a path towards an amnesty for political prisoners.

The two sides would meet again in Oslo (Norway) on Oct. 8.

Norway has had a role as facilitator for the peace process since 2001. Fitful peace talks have been going on since 1986.

New President Rodrigo Duterte says he wants to end guerrilla wars with both communist and Muslim rebels that have been hampering economic development.

The 3,000-strong New People’s Army, the armed wing of the communist party, operates mainly in the east and south of the Philippines.