COTABATO CITY – The Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RRUC-ARMM) on Monday settled a long-standing feud involving Moro clans in Lanao del Sur whose hostilities had stemmed from partisan politics.
Romeo Sema, RRUC-ARMM chair, said the conflict started when Bayabao Tomas was shot dead allegedly by Armi Enterino after the May 16 local elections. Since then, the Bayabao and Enterino clans have been at odds with each other as battles repeatedly erupted anytime clan members meet.
Clan members from both sides had sought the help of RRUC in their desire to end the “rido” (family feud).
Sema said the warring families actually belonged to one big family who had different political affiliations and convictions. He said their coming over to be under the supervision of RRUC was an indication they wanted to settle their bloody differences through peaceful means.
“They are all related by blood and by affinity so there’s no reason they will not mend ways, forget and forgive and move on,” Sema said in vernacular.
Elders of warring families swore before the Holy Qur’an and signed the peace agreement they both vowed to uphold and respect in the name of peace.
The involved families were from the coastal towns of Malabang and Balabagan. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
