MANILA: A self-proclaimed Philippine sultan whose followers launched a deadly incursion into Malaysia last month called Thursday for a ceasefire, following a major offensive by Malaysian troops.

Jamalul Kiram III declared a unilateral ceasefire for 12:30 pm (0430 GMT) and urged Malaysia to reciprocate, according to a statement read out by his spokesman in Manila.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2013