For the first time in 50 years, the Philippine government and Maoist rebels Communist Party of the Philippines declared an indefinite ceasefire following a weeklong talks in Oslo, Norway.
Jose Maria Sison, founder of the CPP, said the development manifests his party's support to the administration of Philippines' newly-elected president, Rodrigo Duterte.
The rebels repeatedly refused calls for peace negotiations from previous administrations.
"The joint statement we are signing manifests the historic significance of what we have achieved," said Sison in an AP report.
The government agreed to release all political prisoners so they can participate in framing the possible peace accord between the two groups.
They also agree to speed up the peace process, and aim to reach the first substantial agreement on economic and social reforms within six months, the report added.
