Lanao leaders convince warring families to end bloody clan wars

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): Lanao leaders convince warring families to end bloody clan wars

After about a month of back-channel talks, local officials in Lanao del Sur succeeded in bringing warring families to the negotiating table and let them sign peace covenant to end their clan war, officials said Tuesday.

Vice Governor Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the peace covenant signing was forged between two Maranao clans in Balabagan in Lanao del Sur's second district.

Through the efforts of Lucman and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., the Mangadang and Masbud families swore before the Holy Qur'an to end decades old "rido" (clan war) in the presence of local officials, military and police representatives.

For several years, the Maranao families have engaged in shooting war every time their paths crossed in the town of Balabagan and nearby municipalities. Lives and properties from both sides have been lost in the course of the armed conflict triggered by land dispute and territorial disagreements.

Both sides belonged to or affiliated with either the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

However, Lucman and Adiong told reporters that it was not an organization fight involving Moro rebel groups but "they are just affiliated or have relatives with either of the two groups."

According to Lt. Col. Mike Santos, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion whose unit covers the towns of Balabagan, Malabang and Calanogas, the local officials' efforts to reconcile warring families will help bring about development in the communities.

Edna Sampiano, mayor of Balabagan earlier sought the help of provincial and regional officials in her reconciliation efforts ahead of next year's elections to help ensure peaceful balloting.

The Mangadang and Masbud families have last fought in May along portions of the Cotabato-Marawi City highway which resulted in the closure of the national highway. Several families have also fled for fear of getting caught in the crossfire.

Lucman lauded the contribution of Muslim religious leaders in the successful peace covenant signing.

Clan war is among the major concerns of local leaders as this is seen as barrier following the successful ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

Santos said with the closure of clan wars, the Army will now shift its focus on helping communities through public works and peace related advocacy in the coastal towns of Lanao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=809226