Philippines, Muslims leaders agree on peace deal

The Philippine government has reached a framework peace agreement with the country's largest Muslim rebel group, BBC News reported, citing President Benigno Aquino.

The deal follows long negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to end a 40-year conflict that has cost an estimated 120,000 lives.

It provides for a new autonomous region in the south, where Muslims are a majority in a mainly Catholic country.

The agreement is expected to be signed in the coming days.

"This framework agreement paves the way for a final and enduring peace in Mindanao," President Aquino said, referring to the main southern region.

But he added: "There are still details both sides must thresh out."

He said the new autonomous region would be named Bangsamoro, after the Moros living there.

Officials said they hoped a final deal could be in place by the end of President Aquino's term in 2016.