Two rival factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao del Sur have peacefully resolved their long-standing clan conflict, or rido, on Thursday.
The reconciliation was facilitated by Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade. He brought together field commanders Teng Mamo and Mutawali Simpal, both operating in Sultan sa Barongis town.
The initiative to end the conflict was led by Lt. Col. Germen Legada, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, which has operational jurisdiction over Sultan sa Barongis.
Legada acknowledged the crucial support of the provincial government, particularly Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang, in making the peace effort successful.
“Time and again, we have been hoping that (the) two warring MILF factions silence their guns for the benefit of peaceful settlement to their communities in Sultan sa Barongis,” he said in an interview on Thursday.
Since 2020, clashes between the two groups have repeatedly displaced residents and hampered local development in Sultan sa Barongis.
Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, praised both Catu and Legada for their proactive efforts in restoring peace and stability to the area.