MALABANG, Lanao del Sur – The military’s 6th Infantry Battalion (IB) has once more proven its effectiveness in winning the hearts and trust of the people with the settlement of a long-standing family feud involving Moro clans.
On Thursday, Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, 6th IB chief, facilitated the signing of a peace covenant and emotional reunion of two Maranao clans locked in two decades of bloody clan war.
Aquino convinced the Balindong and Balangas clans, both from the town of Picong, Lanao del Sur, to settle their deep-seated dispute after losing more than a dozen of family members due to armed conflict.
Aquino said the fighting between the two warring clans existed for more than two decades and “it created anxiety to the residents, motorists and frequent travelers” since they normally traded bullets along the highways.
“Several harassments happened every time both families pass through each other’s bailiwick,” he said.
“We are very happy that both clans agreed to stop the conflict and settle for peace with the help of our unit. Indeed, we are really serious to implement the martial law,” the 6th IB chief said.
“To those who were here and willing to settle this conflict, it is now your responsibility to maintain the peace within yourselves, however, for those who did not signify their willingness, may I remind you that this is not for us, but rather for the future your children’s children,” Aquino told officials, warring families and local residents during the peace engagement.
Witnessing the “rido” (clan war) settlement were Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. along with local officials, police and military officers. It was not the first time the 6th IB facilitated rido settlement, Aquino stressed, adding it helped settle dispute of more than a dozen families in Lanao Sur.
Aquino said the number of rido settlement here only showed that his unit has gained trust and confidence of the populace in its area of operations.
“As long as rido exists in our AOR, our peaceful means of addressing local issues will continue,” Aquino said.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, has lauded the 6th IB efforts as peacekeepers. (/PNA)
