ISABELA CITY, Basilan province — The Philippine Army here disclosed on Wednesday that it has finally settled a five-year-old feud between the families of Amil Palluh and Jhomie Majaran in Barangay Bohe Suyak, Ungkaya Pukan town in the province

101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon narrated that the feud between the two families started in 2018 and has already claimed several lives from both sides.

He added that the two families signed the settlement agreement and they sealed it with a solemn oath on the Holy Qur'an during a simple ceremony held at  Barangay Bohe Suyak, Ungkaya Pukan.

The "rido" settlement came with a "Community Outreach Program" with health services and fun games for children intended to address the needs of residents of Barangay Bohe Suyak affected by the continuing conflict.

According to Luzon, the Palluh family also handed over one M16 rifle as a gesture of sincerity and commitment to the settlement and to paving the way for further harmony and prosperity in the community.

He added that the event was aimed not only to heal the wounds of the past but also to nurture a sense of solidarity and understanding within the community and deliver basic government services.

"The reconciliation of Palluh and Majaran families stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy, dialogue and understanding overcoming even the most entrenched disputes," Luzon said.

"It represents not just the end of a conflict but the beginning of a new chapter for Barangay Bohe Suyak. Let us build at this site a foundation for lasting peace. Peace and security is everybody's responsibility," he added.

It was learned that the "rido" settlement was successfully conducted through the efforts and initiatives of the 101st Infantry Brigade; 64IB; the provincial government of Basilan; the local government of Ungkaya Pukan; religious sector and the MILF partners in the province.

Luzon expressed gratitude to all concerned parties for finally embracing peace and reconciliation as he also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the collaborative efforts of the Basilan provincial government; Ungkaya Pukan LGU; 64th Infantry (Knights) Battalion; Basilan Police Provincial Office and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.