Philippine military supports gov't peace programs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes the deal on peace agreement between the government and rebel group Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), AFP spokesman Arnulfo Burgos said on Sunday. Burgos described the agreement as the "significant milestone in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace for our nation". "The AFP fully adheres to the primacy of the peace process as we continue to support all the peace programs and endavors of the government," he said. "We look forward to the sealing of the final peace agreement very soon which will eventually bring renewed peace in Mindanao," he said. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III announced on Sunday that his government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to sign a framework agreement that will end the decades- long armed conflict in southern Philippines. The 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is the largest secessionist group in the country which had been waging rebellion in the South since 1969. Continuing armed hostilities have claimed at least 120,000 lives, brought massive destruction to property, and crippled the economy in Mindanao.