THE 1101st Infantry Brigade (1101Bde) has successfully facilitated the formal amicable settlement between the warring clans of Maunara Azis and Salik Torayas, both of Malabang, Lanao del Sur, marking a significant step toward peace and reconciliation in the province.
The 1101Bde said Wednesday, July 30, that the settlement of the 18-year-old “rido” between the two clans was held on Saturday, July 26, at the municipal gymnasium of Marogong in Barangay Poblacion and was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the military, local government officials, and traditional mediators.
The settlement proceeding was chaired by Marogong Mayor Nassif Benito Maruhom and jointly facilitated by the 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB), headed by Lieutenant Colonel Abel Potutan, 64IB commander.
Colonel Abdelhalim Sakilan, 1101Bde deputy commander, represented Brigadier General Mario Jacinto, 1101Bde commander, during the event.
The 1101Bde said the rido dates back to a violent altercation in 2007 when Maunara Azis was allegedly killed by Salik Torayas in Diamaro, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
A retaliatory incident in 2008 resulted in the death of Salik Torayas, and the cycle of conflict was reignited in 2019 following the killing of Junair Aziz Dumatar, allegedly by Sanal Torayas.
“The decades-long tension highlights the fragile peace maintained between interrelated clans and the pressing need for sustained mediation,” the 1101Bde said.
As a testament to their reconciliation, both clans voluntarily surrendered firearms used during the conflict to authorities.
Family representatives affixed their signatures to a formal settlement document, vowing to end hostilities, forgive past grievances, and embrace one another as true brothers.
The 1101Bde emphasized that this effort not only prevented further escalation but also reinforced the commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to support community-based dispute resolution.
“Peace is built not just through presence and protection, but through trust and dialogue,” said Sakilan, speaking on behalf of the brigade leadership.
The 1101Bde reaffirmed its role as a bridge between communities, promoting unity and stability in Lanao del Sur through proactive engagement and inclusive peacebuilding initiatives.
The peace settlement was witnessed by the following: Lieutenant Colonel Jo Anthony Lee Lalas, 51st Infantry Battalion commander; Police Captain Mubarak Dimakuta, Marogong police chief, represented by Police Chief Master Sergeant Alinader Gani, chief investigator; Lanao del Sur Second District Board Member Amir Bitor Ampaso; Marogong Vice Mayor Haroun Maruhon; Lumbac-Unayan Mayor Jamalia Aloyodan; Judge Wenida Papandayan; along with municipal councilors, barangay chairpersons, and other concerned stakeholders and mediators who actively supported the peace effort. (SunStar Zamboanga)