Feuding Maranaw families in Lanao del Sur reconcile, ending 20-yr clan war

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): Feuding Maranaw families in Lanao del Sur reconcile, ending 20-yr clan war

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur -- Warring Muslim clans in Maguindanao reconciled Friday, ending two decades of armed hostilities involving family members.

The settlement of the "rido" (clan war) and reconciliation of the Balindong and Montaner clans came after years of efforts to convince elders of both sides to amicably settle their misunderstanding and sign a peace covenant "for the sake of their children".

Col. Jesus Sarsagat, chief of the Army's 603rd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion, initiated the "bridging" early this year until both sides agreed to smoke the pipe of peace.

The deep-seated animosity involving the Balindong and Montaner clans was triggered by misunderstanding over politics and territorial issues.

More than two dozen supporters and clan members from both sides have perished in sporadic skirmishes that spanned 20 years.

Ending their animosity and to ensure both sides abide by the Army-led peace pact-signing, elders and influential clan members swore before the Holy Qur'an, with Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Vice Gov. Al Rashid Lucman and other provincial and regional officials serving as witnesses.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, lauded the efforts of his subordinates and local officials of Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

"Nobody wins in a rido, both parties are losers, failure to live in the existence of peace," Vice Governor Adiong said in a speech before the signing.

Sarsagat said the incoming generations of both clans would suffer the pain of the conflict if it remains unresolved.

"The effect will be a long-term suffering of the orphans as their parents pass away due to nonsense killings," he said.

“We are thankful to the leaders of the two clans for putting closure to a vendetta that has dragged on for many years,” dela Vega said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=980008