In Pictures
In Pictures: Life in Philippine rebel bastion
On a day the government and rebels signed a peace deal, Al Jazeera showcases pictures from war-ravaged Mindanao island.
Pat Roque Last Modified: 15 Oct 2012 07:31

After more than 40 years of fighting, the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels have signed a preliminary peace agreement to end a conflict that has killed more than 120,000 people.

The rebels claim they face discrimination in the southern Philippines, and have demanded autonomy for Muslims in the Mindanao island region.

Benigno Aquino, president of the Philippines, has said the deal "paves the way for a final enduring peace in Mindanao". The agreement includes an expanded system of Islamic law for Muslims, while granting more autonomy to local authorities in Muslim areas. 

The rebel army is estimated at 10,000 strong. Thousands of local people on Mindanao island have been caught up in the decades of violence and many have been displaced. Most civilians are hoping the preliminary deal will bring normalcy to their often difficult lives. 

"We just want to be left alone, to live in peace. We have nothing to do with that fighting," said villager Mary Jane Dakan, who has seen many of her loved ones killed. 

Aquino said the peace deal will reintegrate former fighters back into society. "Hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning workstations and opening doors of opportunity for other citizens," Aquino said recently.
/PAT ROQUE
A group of children play with a Muslim rebel during a lull in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan on Mindanao island in the southern Philippines.
/PAT ROQUE
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been fighting the Philippine government for more than 40 years.
/PAT ROQUE
A young boy hides behind a Muslim rebel inside Camp Darapanan on Mindanao island.
/PAT ROQUE
A girl smiles with other Filipino Muslims in a store on Mindanao.
PAT ROQUE/PAT ROQUE
A group of children play at a local market, as residents have tried to live normal lives during decades of fighting.
/PAT ROQUE
Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front pass a mosque as they patrol inside the rebel's camp.
/PAT ROQUE
Young men on a motorcycle pass through a checkpoint manned by Muslim rebels. Human rights abuses have been committed by both sides during the conflict.
/PAT ROQUE
Jovy Usman takes care of her son inside an evacuation centre where they have been staying for 2 years in Dato Piang town.
/PAT ROQUE
An old woman sits outside the evacuation centre where she has lived for two years.
/PAT ROQUE
Women living in a centre for displaced people weave mats to earn a small income.
/PAT ROQUE
A displaced woman sorts out coloured grass she uses in weaving mats.
/PAT ROQUE
Government soldiers rest beside a mosque in Datu Salibo town on Mindanao island.
PAT ROQUE/PAT ROQUE
A curious boy peers out of his house as a government soldier mans his post.
/PAT ROQUE
A woman dries palay on the pavement as government soldiers man armoured personnel carriers.
PAT ROQUE/PAT ROQUE
Residents watch as armoured personnel carriers pass in Datu Salibo town on Mindanao island.
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images:
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captions:
A group of children play with a Muslim rebel during a lull in fighting inside the rebel(***)s Camp Darapanan on Mindanao island in the southern Philippines. ;*;The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been fighting the Philippine government for more than 40 years.;*;A young boy hides behind a Muslim rebel inside Camp Darapanan on Mindanao island.;*;A girl smiles with other Filipino Muslims in a store on Mindanao.;*;A group of children play at a local market, as residents have tried to live normal lives during decades of fighting. ;*;Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front pass a mosque as they patrol inside the rebel(***)s camp. ;*;Young men on a motorcycle pass through a checkpoint manned by Muslim rebels. Human rights abuses have been committed by both sides during the conflict. ;*;Jovy Usman takes care of her son inside an evacuation centre where they have been staying for 2 years in Dato Piang town.;*;An old woman sits outside the evacuation centre where she has lived for two years. ;*;Women living in a centre for displaced people weave mats to earn a small income. ;*;A displaced woman sorts out coloured grass she uses in weaving mats.;*;Government soldiers rest beside a mosque in Datu Salibo town on Mindanao island. ;*;A curious boy peers out of his house as a government soldier mans his post.;*;A woman dries palay on the pavement as government soldiers man armoured personnel carriers.;*;Residents watch as armoured personnel carriers pass in Datu Salibo town on Mindanao island. Daylife ID:
1350213276799
Photographer:
;*;;*;;*;;*;PAT ROQUE;*;;*;;*;;*;;*;;*;;*;;*;PAT ROQUE;*;;*;PAT ROQUE
Image Source:
PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE;*;PAT ROQUE
Gallery Source:
Daylife
Daylife Raw Data:
'Peace agreement' in the Philippineshttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-PhilippinesThe Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Frontis about to sign on Monday, October 15, 2012 the "Framework Peace Agreement" to start the formal discussion on how to end the decade long hostilities in Mindanao. The Muslim rebels have been fighting for an independent Muslim state in southern Philippines.en-usAl Jazeerafeedback@daylife.com10Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:14:37 GMTSun, 14 Oct 2012 15:32:53 GMT http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=065G1zZa5n9yh

A group of children play with a Muslim rebel during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=065G1zZa5n9yhPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

A group of children play with a Muslim rebel during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0ezB6u67rrd73

A group of men on a motorcycle pass a pass checkpoint manned by Muslim rebels during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the Framework Peace Agreement an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0ezB6u67rrd73PAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

A group of men on a motorcycle pass a pass checkpoint manned by Muslim rebels during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the Framework Peace Agreement an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=046kcDp91r8B2

A young boy hides behind a Muslim rebel during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=046kcDp91r8B2PAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

A young boy hides behind a Muslim rebel during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=07Fb6zdeygcYNA girl smiles as she stays with a group of Filipino Muslims in a store during a lul in fighting inside Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque)Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=07Fb6zdeygcYNPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload ImagesA girl smiles as she stays with a group of Filipino Muslims in a store during a lul in fighting inside Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque) http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=04Qp8pI7kE0SD

A group of children playat the marketplace during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:27:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=04Qp8pI7kE0SDPAT ROQUEPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

A group of children playat the marketplace during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=09cR7Zka2A52B

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front pass a mosque as they patrol inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=09cR7Zka2A52BPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front pass a mosque as they patrol inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=07245nPeWUgTBA group of men on a motorcycle pass a pass checkpoint manned by Muslim rebels during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque)Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=07245nPeWUgTBPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload ImagesA group of men on a motorcycle pass a pass checkpoint manned by Muslim rebels during a lul in fighting inside the rebel's Camp Darapanan in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to sign the "Framework Peace Agreement" an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque) http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=00Oh4MF2vw2R7

Jovy Usman takes care of her son inside an evacuation center they have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=00Oh4MF2vw2R7PAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

Jovy Usman takes care of her son inside an evacuation center they have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=03Cq1wq0av7cX

An old woman sits outside the evacuation center she have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=03Cq1wq0av7cXPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

An old woman sits outside the evacuation center she have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=05X88FQ6pkbI0

Two women weave a mat to earn a living as their children sits infront of them iside an evacuation center they have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=05X88FQ6pkbI0PAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

Two women weave a mat to earn a living as their children sits infront of them iside an evacuation center they have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=013xfKZdge3yLA woman sorts out colored grass she uses in weaving mat to earn a living, in an evacuation center she have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque)Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=013xfKZdge3yLPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload ImagesA woman sorts out colored grass she uses in weaving mat to earn a living, in an evacuation center she have been staying for 2-years now in Dato Piang town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque) http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0axf1Xn6Jm0bC

Government soldiers rest beside a mosque in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0axf1Xn6Jm0bCPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

Government soldiers rest beside a mosque in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

 http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0fmg7hP9M80liA baby boy stays by the door of their house as a government soldier man his post in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque)Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:28:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0fmg7hP9M80liPAT ROQUEPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload ImagesA baby boy stays by the door of their house as a government soldier man his post in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque) http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0b4x65MbeUedXA woman dries palay on a pavement as government soldiers man armored personnel carriers in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque)Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=0b4x65MbeUedXPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload ImagesA woman dries palay on a pavement as government soldiers man armored personnel carriers in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities. (Photo byPat Roque) http://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=03965ZGcMqeyc

Residents watch as armored personnel carriers pass their area in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:29:00 GMThttp://aljazeera.smartgalleries.net/gallery/Peace-agreementin-the-Philippines?image_id=03965ZGcMqeycPAT ROQUEPAT ROQUEAl Jazeera Upload Images

Residents watch as armored personnel carriers pass their area in Datu Salibo town in Mindanao island in southern Philippines Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The decade long conflict displaced thousands of people and welcome the signing of the "Framework of Peace Agreement" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an initial step for the discussion on the secession of hostilities.

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