COTABATO CITY (October 10) — A long-standing family feud (rido) between a town mayor and a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander in Maguindanao del Sur has been peacefully resolved after several rounds of negotiations led by the military.
Gov. Datu Ali Midtimbang and Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, on Wednesday convinced Mayor Rasol Sangki of Ampatuan town and MILF Commander Hamsa Kindo of the 11th Brigade, 118th Base Command, to end their conflict.
The settlement ceremony was held in Talayan town and facilitated by Lt. Col. Loqui Marco, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion.
Catu said the rido had deep roots, claiming lives and damaging properties, making negotiations “very challenging.” But through “dedication and perseverance” from troops, both parties agreed to a peaceful settlement.
“This clearly shows that nothing is impossible when both sides in conflict are open to a peaceful settlement,” Catu said.
Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the agreement, calling it an “inspiration and motivation” for future mediation and peace-building efforts in the province.
Midtimbang also urged other feuding parties in Maguindanao del Sur to follow the example of Sangki and Kindo and choose peace over armed conflict.
