OMAR, Sulu — Local government and military officials have formally declared the Municipality of Omar as the first “rido-free” municipality in Sulu Province, marking a historic achievement in settling long-running clan-related conflicts.

The declaration, held Thursday at the Omar Covered Court in Barangay Lahing-Lahing, symbolizes the community’s collective effort to replace hostility and vengeance with dialogue and reconciliation, according to officials.

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, said the signing of the resolution by local officials declaring Omar as Rido-Free “symbolized the triumph of dialogue and forgiveness over hostility and vengeance.”

The term rido refers to clan feuds or cycles of retaliatory violence common in some parts of the southern Philippines.

The ceremony was attended by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II, Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, Omar Mayor Abdulbaki J. Ajibon and Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion.

Delos Santos described the declaration as “an answer to the question of what’s next after we declared Sulu as ASG-Free in September 2024,” referencing the clearing of Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists from the province.

“After liberating Sulu from terrorism, our next mission is to free our communities from internal conflicts and rido,” Delos Santos said. “This initiative is part of our broader vision to achieve lasting peace through gun-free and peace-centered communities across the Second District of Sulu.”

He noted that the Rido-Free initiative is part of the 1102nd Brigade’s “LGU-led, security sector-supported, and Community-based” operational framework, a peace model that empowers local leaders to sustain peace through inclusive participation.

The general stressed that the program is not only about ending conflict but also about fulfilling justice, allowing people to regain their trust in the law and in good governance.

“If Omar can do it, others can, too,” Delos Santos said. “Together, we will continue to build a Sulu that is not just free from terrorism, but free from division, a Sulu founded on peace, justice, and unity.”

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a peace covenant, the release of white doves symbolizing freedom and reconciliation, and a communal boodle fight.