( CNN ) -- The Philippines has reached a preliminary agreement with Muslim rebels after 15 years of talks , the president announced Sunday , marking a major milestone after decades of militant insurgency in the nation 's troubled south . The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has fought for decades for an independent Islamic state in southern Philippines . It has been blamed for rampant attacks in the region . President Benigno Aquino III described the deal as a `` framework agreement '' for establishing a new autonomous region to be administered by Muslims in the south . It comes after 15 years of negotiations between the government and the rebels . 2009 : Rebels bomb electricity tower , official says . `` This framework agreement paves the way for a final , enduring peace in Mindanao , '' Aquino said . `` It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold ; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aspire for a separate state . '' It also provides a framework on issues such as power structure and revenues in the southern region . `` This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land , selling produce , manning work stations and opening doorways of opportunity for other citizens , '' he said . The new autonomous region will be named Bangsamoro . `` It deserves a name that symbolizes and honors the struggles of our forebears in Mindanao , and celebrates the history and character of that part of our nation , '' the president said . The preliminary deal marks a major milestone after years of negotiations with the Moro group to help end an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands . The Moro group is estimated to have 12,000 members , but military sources say it may have been splintered when government troops conducted offensives in 2000 . British and American officials applauded the agreement . `` I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement of the framework agreement ... to bring peace and development to Muslim Mindanao , '' Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement . `` This is a testament to the commitment and vision of the parties . '' U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the agreement `` a testament to the commitment of all sides for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the southern Philippines . '' The new region is expected to replace the current one by 2016 , when the president 's term ends , according to officials . Ex-Philippines president arrested on corruption charges . Journalist Maria A. Ressa contributed to this report .
The announcement comes after 15 years of negotiations between the government and the rebels . UK foreign secretary : ` ` I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement '' Aquino : The agreement is a preliminary agreement for creating an autonomous state . The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has fought for decades for an independent Islamic state .