4 Basilan clans unite for peace

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The provincial government here and the military have successfully mediated a long-standing family feud, locally known as rido, between two clans in Basilan province, a move hailed as vital for sustained development.

Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Sales, commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, reported Tuesday that a “Pagsulut Duk Pagduwaa Pagbanta” or settlement and thanksgiving ceremony was held Monday at the Basilan Provincial Capitol.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman successfully settled the feud between the Abdurajan Najalan Clan of Al-Barka and the Selma Asmilin Clan of Maluso.

Hataman stressed that the settlement was a major turning point for the affected communities, whose livelihoods, economy and education had been deeply impacted by the dispute.

“With sincerity and collective resolve, both parties agreed to reconcile in the spirit of peace, healing and shared prosperity,” Hataman said, adding that peace is essential for the province’s progress.

The successful mediation was the result of joint efforts by the provincial government, the security sector, the Basilan Police Provincial Office, the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Also, the provincial government and security forces are continuing efforts to resolve other clan wars in municipalities including Sumisip and Tuburan.

Meanwhile, in Central Mindanao, 12 former terrorists renounced violence and joined government peace efforts in Maguindanao del Sur this week.

Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Brigade, reported that 10 former rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 90th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kabinge, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, on Monday.

The group also surrendered 11 high-caliber weapons, including a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) and a 60mm mortar.

Two other rebels surrendered Sunday to the 92nd Infantry Battalion in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, turning over an M4 rifle, a 60mm mortar, an improvised explosive device and a hand grenade.