Filipino Troops, Rebels Forge Truce After Fighting Kills 10

Western Mindanao Command, Government Peace Implementing Panel Chair David B. Diciano (C) talks with WESMINCOM acting commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas (L) and Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, acting commander of the Philippine Army's (PA) 6th Infantry Division, and rebel mediators during emergency talks to discuss a ceasefire at southern Basilan province, Philippines, on Nov. 10, 2022. Public Information Office, Western Mindanao Command via AP

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine troops forged a ceasefire with Muslim guerrillas after 10 combatants were killed in clashes in a southern village and frantic efforts were made to prevent an escalation that could threaten a major peace accord, military commanders and the rebels said Friday.

The sporadic clashes erupted Tuesday and Wednesday in Ulitan village on the island province of Basilan, where emergency talks arranged by government and rebel mediators led to an indefinite ceasefire agreement late Thursday between army forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel commanders.