Moro Rebels Halt Disarmament Over Unmet Government Promises

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines, has suspended the disarming of its remaining 14,000 fighters, asserting that the government has not fully complied with commitments under a 2014 peace deal. The announcement was made by a Philippine official on Thursday.

The 2014 peace agreement, facilitated by Malaysia, required the rebels to abandon their pursuit of an independent Muslim state for enhanced autonomy in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation. In exchange, the group's 40,000 fighters would be demobilized and integrated back into society with support and assistance.

Despite government investments in the region, tensions persist as rebel leaders claim unmet commitments. The government has provided significant benefits, including infrastructure projects and financial aid, totaling billions of pesos. However, the rebels postponed disarming 14,000 combatants, highlighting ongoing challenges in the peace process.

(With inputs from agencies.)