THE Army's 51st Infantry Battalion (IB), the police and other government officials have settled the seven-year-old feud or "rido" between two families in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, an official said Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Payapaya, 51IB commander, said in a statement that the feud between the Ismael and Casanoden clans was successfully settled in a ceremony around 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, at the municipal hall of Pagayawan.
The settlement of the dispute was a collaborative effort of the 51IB, Pagayawan Mayor Khalida Sanguila, and Pagaawan Municipal Police Station.
Payapaya noted that the dispute between the clans of Ismael and Casanoden started with a misidentification way back 2015 in which one of the Ismael family accidentally killed a member of Casanoden family.
Payapaya said the incident resulted in exchange of violent actions between the two families.
He said the protagonists agreed to engage in peaceful talks and pledged in front of the holy Quran to finally end their conflict through the diplomatic intervention of strengthened partnership of the 51IB and Municipal Government of Pagayawan.
He said the Ismael clan surrendered one M653 assault rifle as a sign of their sincere apology.
Sanguila thanked the 51IB for its nonstop efforts in maintaining the peace and order in the municipality of Pagayawan.
"We always appreciate the 51IB for their untiring support. Peace and order in our municipality is impossible without them. In return, we are also here to support and to cooperate in any of your activities that promote peace and development," Sanguila added.
Payapa expressed his gratitude for the good partnership and efforts of the Municipal Government of Pagayawan and also for cooperation of the both parties.
"We can always achieve peace through our unified efforts and support. Let not anger and pride control our judgment. Instead, let solicitude dominate above all. The unit is always willing to intermediate disputes among families," Payapaya said.
The settlement of the dispute between the clans of Ismael and Casanoden was the third rido the 51IB has settled in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.
Payapaya said that "rido" settlement is one of the advocacies of the 51IB to maintain peace and order in its area of operation. (SunStar Zamboanga)