Violent conflict in Mindanao, the Philippines broke out four decades ago. It has resulted in more than 120,000 deaths and left millions displaced. Today – 7 October – we welcome a historic peace breakthrough in the form of a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Conciliation Resources, as part of the International Contact Group (ICG) – a group of foreign states and international non-governmental organisations that assists in the peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – commends the two Parties for reaching the historic agreement aimed at ending decades of brutal fighting in Mindanao, Philippines.

The Philippines is demonstrating new ways to address old wars – a sign of hope for other places with protracted armed conflict, such as Myanmar and Kashmir. The key to successful implementation now will be local ownership and public participation.

Kristian Herbolzheimer, Philippines Programme Director, Conciliation Resources

Following today's announcement in Kuala Lumpur, the ICG praised the President of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III and the Chairman of the MILF, Al Haj Murad for their courage and determination. The agreement ushers in a new chapter in the search for peace in the troubled region of Mindanao.

The ICG acknowledges and appreciates the hard work and tenacity of the two Parties as well as the Malaysian Government and its facilitator, Tengku Dato’ AB Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.

We will continue to support the two Parties, as they work together to implement this agreement.

The International Contact Group, organised through an agreement between the two parties in 2009, is composed of the Governments of Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom and the international non-governmental organisations, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah and The Asia Foundation.