US welcomes peace deal between Philippine gov't, rebel

The U.S. government on Monday welcomed the peace deal signed between the Philippine government and the country's largest rebel group, hailing it as a step toward the end of "insurrection." In a White House statement, the U.S. government commended the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership, the country's largest rebel group, for their " hard work and unwavering commitment to a better future," as well as Malaysia for its role as facilitator of the negotiations. "Today's ceremony marks another step toward ending insurrection and restoring good governance," said the statement. The U.S. government vowed to continue to work with the international community, regional stakeholders and the Philippine people to "promote transparency, governance, economic growth and development to achieve a better future," according to the statement. The Philippine government signed in Manila Monday a landmark peace agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in hope of ending a decades-long insurgency in which 120,000 people have died.