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Philippines, Rebels Sign Cease-fire Deal

by VOA News

   The Philippine government and the country's Communist guerrillas have
   signed an indefinite cease-fire agreement.

   The truce, signed in Norway Friday, seeks to end one of Asia's
   longest-running insurgencies. It has claimed the lives of thousands of
   people.

   "This is a historic and unprecedented event," said Jesus Dureza, the
   peace adviser to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Dureza also
   said, "There is still a lot of work to be done ahead."

   The two sides have been meeting in Oslo since Monday and will meet
   again in October.

   Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende described the deal as a "major
   breakthrough."