INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Four persons were killed last Thursday in a “rido” — a clan war — between two Moro groups in Pikit town in Cotabato, according to a Philippine Army statement issued on Saturday.
The rido ceased shortly after the two groups reached an agreement with the intervention of local authorities and Muslim elders.
A firefight broke out between the two groups — one headed by Bugdad Matalam Akas and another headed by Commander Walid Mamasamlang — in the early morning of Thursday, Aug. 11, in Sitio Galigayanan, Barangay Macabual.
According to the Army, the members of both groups belong to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Force under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Three members of Walid’s group died — Ronie Dilanalan, Mama Dilanalan, and Makron Baguinda. All were residents of Barangay Macabual village.
A civilian identified as Lito Quiñones was also killed in the crossfire.
Two others — a member of the Bugdad group and another civilian — were also injured.
The negotiations between the two groups were facilitated by the local police, Pikit town officials, members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, and some Muslim elders.
“We are grateful to both parties for agreeing to settle their misunderstanding; thereby, it will benefit the residents of Brgy. Macabual who are the victims of violence due to armed conflict,” said Brig. Gen. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the 602nd Brigade.
Authorities will also seek the assistance of the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the Philippine government and the MILF “to conciliate the situation.” Maj. General Roy Galido, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, said
“There is nothing good that the rido can bring to us but the continued struggle of families over racial depletion without obtaining justice,” Galido said.
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