MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Foreign peacekeepers credited with helping ease years of bloody fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels have left the southern Philippines after officials decided to end their presence, but talks are underway to allow their possible return, officials and the rebels said Friday. It remains to be seen whether new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will authorize the return of the peacekeepers. The last contingent of more than 20 peacekeepers left the south two weeks ago. In the past, deadly clashes wrought extensive damage to entire towns in the south and displaced tens of thousands of people. More than 12,000 Muslim rebels have been “decommissioned” and laid down about 2,000 firearms and other weapons so far.

Source: Libya Today July 15, 2022 07:27 UTC