COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Political leaders in Maguindanao have prevented a feud between two stalwarts of the Liberal Party in the province from evolving into violence.
Datu Saudi Mayor Samsodin Dimaukom and his Vice Mayor and nephew Datuwata Utto Adzis nearly hurt each other after the latter claimed Dimaukom was behind Thursday’s ambush-slay try on him, Guindulungan Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang said.
Midtimbang said that when Adzis complained that his uncle wanted him dead and that he was preparing for the worst, he and political leaders such as Maguindanao board member Abubakar Katambak and Datu Piang Mayor Genuiane Kamaong, found ways to patch things up between the two relatives.
In a peace dialogue held inside the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division on Saturday, which journalists also attended as observers, Dimaukom formally denied he was behind the ambush try in Crossing Salbu in Datu Saudi town on his nephew.
In an earlier interview aired by a local radio station here, Adzis said he could have died if “not for divine intervention when the gun pointed at me from a distance failed to fire.”
Dimaukom said even if he was at odds with his nephew, he would not go so far as having him killed.
He admitted he stopped supporting his nephew amid reports Adzis was supporting politicians who were not LP members.
Adzis reasoned out he dropped his support to Dimaukom after his uncle breached their agreement about mutual support.
Midtimbang stressed that the two parties have patched things up and pledged not to resort to violence to resolve issues in the future.
“They signed a covenant to this effect,” he said, adding that peace has been ensured for the barangay (village) polls to be held in Datu Saudi town on Oct. 28.
Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the warring politicians might not have embraced each other after the signing of the covenant but he believed they were truthful when they pledged to bury the hatchet.
“They both agreed that they will be held responsible in the event of a breakdown in law and order in their municipality,” he said.
Datu Saudi town has about 11,000 registered voters.
Katambak said the peace covenant between Dimaukom and Adzis was among dozens of political feuding resolved in recent days.
Gapuz admitted to be dealing with a few more intense political rivalries in Maguindanao and efforts have been going on to settle these feuds peacefully.
If one claims to be a Muslim, he should lead a peaceful life, according to Kamaong, mayor of Datu Piang.
“Many profess to embrace the faith, but within them, they cause the displacement and misery of people, and still call themselves Islamic,” he said.