Soldiers settle conflict in Sulu

LUUK, Sulu — The military has facilitated an amicable settlement between two muslim families of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu, preventing the escalation of the conflict within their community.

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, said yesterday the settlement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the military, local government and barangay officials of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu.

Delos Santos said the formal amicable settlement between the Juaini and Sulaiman families was held at the Headquarters of Alpha Company of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion on Monday.

Representing Delos Santos during the settlement of the conflict was Col. Alex H. Gagula, deputy brigade commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, alongside with Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of 21st IB, who jointly presided over the reconciliation proceedings.

According to Delos Santos, the conflict stemmed from a shooting incident that took place on 10 June, in Batrangay Pangdan-Pangdan during a “Spoua,” a Muslim tradition observed on the 7th day after a death.

The Juaini family, while visiting a cemetery, was met with hostility by the Sulaiman family, who denied them entry and fired some shots toward the visitors.

As part of the conditions of the amicable settlement, the parties agreed not only to peacefully resolve their dispute but also to voluntarily surrender the firearm used during the incident to authorities, marking a symbolic and practical step toward rebuilding trust and accountability.

Thanks to the timely intervention of the 21st IB and partner stakeholders, both families were brought to the table, where they agreed to de-escalate the matter and resolve their grievances through peaceful means.

In his statement, Gagula emphasized, “The settlement was a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with sincerity, respect for tradition, and a shared commitment to peace. Our role is not just to secure, but to unite.”

Additionally, he said, “The 1102nd Infantry ‘Ganarul’ Brigade will always stand as a bridge between communities in conflict.”

Further, he said, “We are not just soldiers of war, but peacekeepers who will exhaust all efforts to prevent violence from taking root in our barangays.”

Delos Santos believed that amicable settlement sends a powerful message that even in the face of deep grievances, dialogue remains our most effective weapon.

The event was also attended and supported by key local officials to include Sulu 2nd District board member Hji Sherhan E. Najar, SB Secretary of Kalingalan Caluang Walton Sahidjuwan, Barangay Kambing chairman Sasad A. Madjuri, and barangay chairman of Tuyang Nurhakim G. Unga, barangay chairman of Mabahay Marganie Radjili, barangay chairman of Tampakan Wahab Itning, representative of Barangay Pangdan Najir Susulan, all of Talipao, Sulu, and P/Executive master sergeant Michael Taulani of Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Police Station.