Second to values-based leadership, controlling “rido” or clan feuds is vital for the progress of Tamparan, maintains Mayor Juhar Dimaporo Disomimba of Lanao del Sur.
The province is reported to have the highest incidences of rido, a revenge (mamauli) born out of maintaining the family honor. The disputes are prompted by petty matters such as taunting and small-time thefts to bigger issues such as land disputes and political rivalries.
“Rido is triggered by misunderstanding, envy of positions such as being barangay chairman and the like. When youngsters start quarreling, the older relatives get involved,” says Disomimba.
The conflict is complicated by social pressures. Other members of the family or clan feel bound by duty or family honor to join the retaliation. They are looked upon as cowards or are ostracized if they refuse to support the family and strike back.
Rido has led to violent deaths, destruction of property, a paralyzed economy, and an atmosphere of fear. In Bangsamoro, rido escalates into armed conflict, which includes the military and insurgent groups.
Rido is normally settled by diyyah or blood money. Disomimba says that in Islamic law, victims or their heirs are entitled to financial compensation for the death or damage wrought by rido. The criminals are sentenced in court and serve a long prison term.
The mayor recalls that his father and grandfather, who were both datus and politicians, settled the rido with blood money. They also brought justice by putting the accused behind bars.
However, Disomimba maintains that diyyah alone will not solve the root of the social problem. He hopes to stamp out rido through attitude change.
He envisions that an information campaign should enlighten the younger generation about this age-old malpractice and educate older generation in respecting the rule of law. He also hopes to train the people on how to respond to conflicts to prevent death.
Disomimba also believes in creating an environment of cooperation among the LGUs, community elders and a peace council. Their alliance can set the parameters in any conflict and quickly resolve it.
He also sees the importance of studying the family tree of the warring clans so that neutral members can be tapped as arbitrators. A hands-on mayor, Disomimba has likewise served as a mediator between warring families.
He plans to invite religious leaders to help the clans to revert to Islamic values and to make them realize that their true nature is peace.
“Islam teaches brotherhood and harmony. Rido is violent and fractious. The people of Tamparan remain true to the teachings of Allah,” says Disomimba.
“We can resolve family feuds by empowering our religious leaders and the council of elders of the clans, training youth leaders, developing partners in the security department and community. Broken fences can be mended with tolerance and understanding,” said Mayor Disomimba, who is now one of the most popular young mayors in Lanao province.
