DHAKA: At least 37 Philippine rebels have been killed in a two-day offensive in the south.

Philippines military says, reports the BBC.

President Benigno Aquino said the offensive would protect villages from rebels in Maguindanao province.

The insurgents involved in fighting oppose a recent peace accord between the government and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Under the new deal, MILF rebels will hand over their weapons in exchange for self-rule in parts of the south.

But insurgents belonging to the breakaway rebel Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) say MILF compromised too much in the truce.

The group, which comprises a few hundred militants, say they will continue their uprising because the deal did not lead to a separate homeland for minority Muslims in the south.

BDST: 1931 HRS, JAN 29, 2014