ISABELA, BASILAN (17 January 2024) – “Dialogue is the most effective way to attain peace and understanding.”

This was Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr.’s message during the signing of a peace covenant here on January 16, which ended a long-time “rido” or clan war between two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions in Muhammad Adjul, Basilan.

Galvez’ message was read by Ariel by Hernandez, co-chair of the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), which is among the peace mechanisms under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The signing of the peace covenant paved the way for the rido settlement between the families of MILF 1st Battalion, 114th Base Command Battalion Commander Tanad Nasalon and Deputy Battalion Commander Geon Arasad.

Galvez congratulated the 101st Infantry Brigade led by BGen. Alvin Luzon, Basilan Provincial Governor Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman-Salliman, and Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, for their “bravery, determination and hardwork” in peacefully settling the conflict between the two clans.

Rido, an inter-generational conflict

“Batid po nating lahat ang pinag-uugatan ng rido. Kabilang na dito ang hidwaan na dulot ng politika, problema sa lupa, at iba pang personal na isyu,” Galvez said, adding, that this type of conflict is passed on from generation after generation.

“Samakatuwid, ating pinaglalaban at pinagdurusahan ang mga di pagkakaunawaan na nagsimula ng hindi pa tayo ipinanganak. Hindi po ito makatwiran,” Galvez stressed, as expressed his concern over the impact of Rido on the peace and security of communities.

According to Galvez, rido has disturbed the peace, hindered socio-economic development and development, and caused divisiveness and fear among the people. It has remained a pressing security concern and a major cause of violence and conflict in Mindanao.

The signing of the peace covenant between the two clans is a testament of how the provincial government of Basilan, under the leadership of Salliman, in partnership with the security sector, is effectively resolving situations of conflict in the area.

The long-running conflict was settled through the collaborative effort of the 101st Infantry Brigade, 4th Special Forces Battalion led by Col. Bernard Samin, MILF-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)-Basilan Chairman Hadji Samad Ahaddin, and Hadji Muhammad Ajul Mayor Talib G. Pawaki.

During the signing of the peace covenant Nasalon, Arasad, as well as members of their respective clans who witnessed the ceremony, pledged to uphold the commitments they had made under the settlement.

The MILF commanders also surrendered 10 high-powered firearms – eight M16 rifles and two M653 rifles in support of the OPAPRU’s efforts to address the problem of loose firearms in Mindanao through its Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).

The SALW Program is among the interventions being carried out by the JNC through the security component under the Normalization Program of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),

Call for resolving rido

Galvez urged everyone to use dialogue, peace education and the rule of law in resolving situations of conflicts caused by Rido, especially among those who have been affected by armed conflict.

The peace adviser also asked the people of Basilan for their continued support and cooperation in attaining peace, unity and understanding, as these will be the key in putting an end to the practice of Rido.

Galvez gave his assurance that the national government has peace mechanisms on the ground – the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Adhoc Joint Action Group – that have been instrumental in resolving conflict situations.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ipapatupad ng Administrasyong Marcos ng buong husay ang mga batas at polisiya na naglalayong isulong ang demokrasya, hustisya at karapatang pantao dito sa Bangsamoro,” he.

For his part, Hernandez, who spoke as JNC co-chair, affirmed that the committee is “confident of the smooth and successful continuation of the peace process, particularly with the decomissioning.”

Hernandez also emphasized that peace and understanding among MILF members are crucial in the successful implementation of the Normalization program for decommissioned MILF combatants, their families and communities.

Also present during the event was Joint-Task Force Orion Commander, MGen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Philippine Army who congratulated the Nasalon and Arasad clans for “finally embracing peace.”###

Photos courtesy of 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade Facebook page