CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A clan feud or “rido” that lasted for the past 30 years finally ended over the weekend in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province.
Major Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the families of Tuabak Sangki and Esmail Kos Klah shook hands and embraced each other on Saturday to signify the end of their decades-old quarrel marked with blood and bitter reprisals.
“It came to the point that both families grew tired of fighting and ultimately decided to embrace peace,” Encinas said in an interview Monday, adding that military and police officials in the area witnessed the ’rido” (clan war) resolution.
More than a dozen family members from both sides had died during intermittent clashes that began since 1985, the military official said.
In a separate interview by local reporters, Pendatun Magelna, town information officer, said the settlement made at the Ampatuan covered court was initiated by Mayor Rasul Sangki himself.
He said the mayor mediated earlier for the settlement of the deep-seated animosity by calling on the elders of both clans for a peace dialogue.
“Now, we are inching closer to having relative peace and harmony in our town,” Magelna said.
He said the local government is keen on settling other clan wars in the area soon. (/PNA)
