Rival clans involved in the October 28 clashes in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, have signed a peace agreement pledging to end all acts of violence, retaliation, and armed conflict in the area.
The ceremony was held at the Basilan Provincial Capitol in Isabela City, witnessed by government, military, police, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officials.
The pact was signed by Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun Istarul and Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper chair Jamil Lintaran, representing one side, and Ustadz Tarahin Isnain and Ustadz Ansud Tarahin of Barangay Baguindan, representing the other.
Both parties vowed to cooperate fully with authorities in maintaining peace and order. Rex Espiritu
The conflict erupted after the killing of Islamic teacher and village councilor Ustadz Nadzri Tarahin on October 21, which led to clashes displacing about 12,000 residents. His relatives, who are MILF members, accused members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of involvement.
Governor Mujiv Hataman said the victim’s family agreed to let the law take its course. Police have enlisted the help of the anti-cybercrime group in the investigation, while the MILF clarified that its leadership did not sanction the involvement of its members.
A monitoring committee composed of police, military, religious leaders, and elders will regularly assess compliance with the agreement.
