Philippines and Muslim rebels agree peace deal

The Philippine government has reached a framework peace agreement with the country's largest Muslim rebel group, according to President Benigno Aquino.

The deal follows long negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to end a 40-year conflict that has cost more than 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 was reached after talks in Malaysia and is expected to be signed formally on 15 October in the Philippine capital, Manila.

Kate McGeown reports.