By Edwin Fernandez/ PNA
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Using diplomatic approach, the military in the coastal town of Balabagan in Lanao del Sur on Sunday managed to bring together warring Moro families to end their armed conflict.
Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) commander Lt. Col. Clairemont Pinpin and Balabagan Mayor Edna Ogka Benito led the formal “rido” (family feud) settlement of warring families.
“The absence of peace and order in the community is one of the reasons why the efforts of the government toward progress may be considered wanting,” Benito told reporters here Monday.
Elders of the Bunsa family and Mangalundong-Sampiano clan vowed to cease from using violence to settle misunderstanding between their families that has been going on for almost a decade.
They also swore before the Holy Quran that they would religiously abide by the agreement facilitated by the 6IB Bravo Company, headed by 1Lt. Elvis dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz lauded the local government units for supporting the Army’s campaign towards peace and development in Balabagan.
He said the 6IB troopers will continue to perform its mandate of providing internal security and establishing a good relationship with the locals.
