Sumisip warring factions "smoke peace pipe"

By FABER CONCEPCION
 
SUMISIP, Basilan - Peace finally reigns in Sumisip,  Basilan after  local officials of Basilan succeeded to amicably settle one of the longest family feud ever recorded in the local history of the province following the signing of a peace pact ending an over 4-decades of bloody wars.

Armed confrontation between the warring groups was finally over which claimed dozens of persons dead and many wounded in the past. According to records over 100 persons were killed mostly their relatives from both sides.

The Mingkong and Baakal clans, which were represented by their leaders agreed to bury the hatchet for the sake of peace and tranquility in their community and in the entire municipality of Sumisip.

The rido involving several families with hundreds of armed followers  has seriously affected the peace and development of the town.

Facilitated by Sumisip town Mayor Gulam Boy Hataman and other local leaders the settlement of the rido, which claimed over a hundred lives from both sides since the seventy’s was held Tuesday at the municipal complex attended by mostly fully armed followers of both factions.

In line with the reform agenda of the government, peace dialogue and settlement of feuds or rido is one of the priority in the provinces of  Basilan , Sulu , Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Sur, according to Mayor Hataman in earlier interview.

The two groups vowed to help in keeping the peace in their community and assist in the development of the area by supporting the programs and projects of President Noynoy Aquino and ARMM Gov. Mujiiv Hataman..

They also promise to be models for other warring groups to follow suit in settling their quarrels which will only bring sorrow and instability in their Barangays.

"Both parties will cease the hostility against each other; and that both parties willl desisist in pursuing their disputes to any court of law," among the agreed terms.

 Haj Amil Mingkong of Mingkong  family met for the first time in a conciliatory mood with armed Baakal family led by leader Ayyub Baakal and Huraidi Baakal representing the opposite faction which was witnessed by civilian, police and military ,barangays and MILF leaders.

Among those present were  Vice Governor Alrasshid Sakalahul representing ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, Basilan Provincial Governor Jum Akbar and Congressman Jim Saliman Hataman. Boardmambers led by vice Mayor Ibrahim Malum and barangay officials were also in attendance. With help of the Military and police officials along with Commander Dan Asnawi of the Banngsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Font (MILF) the amicable settlement was made possible, said Hataman. The Minngkong famiily members are affiliated with MILF 114th BIAF-MILF base Command.

“ With intercession of local officials of Sumisip, who managed to convince the two warring factions to settle their disputes, the 41-year long feud, the longest so far in the local history of Sumisip, Basilan was over, according to Col. Faustino, 1104 Brigade Deputy Commander in an interview.

Those who witness the historic settlement include PNP Basiilan  Provincial Dir. Mario Dapilloza;; ABC President Sarib Hataman; 104 Brigade Commander Col. Leonardo Dacumos, Tumahubong Parish priest Fr. Julius Boado ; Board member Abdulatip Tahajid and commander Asnawi.

 The two protagonists have realized that  their families as long as they are not reconciled, more violence  and sufferings will befall their families.

"We are happy that we can already move around without any fear because we are already at peace with each other, Amil Mingkong, leader of the group said.We are emotionally charged and we cannot find words to best expressed how we feel now, Mingkong added, even as both expressed their thanks to mayor Hataman for the efforts.

Vce Gov.Sakalaul said everything has its end especially the negative things. "Lahat ng bagay ay may hangganan that's why I congratulate the two families for deciding once and for all their personal grudge. They can now work together and help the local government, the military, police in peace-keeping,"

The families involved in the rido has realized they could not have peace of mind and attend to their daily needs, the education of their children and find livelihood for their families if they are not free to live a normal life.

"Now that they are  amicably settled both can already help each as well as our government and meake Sumisip a peaceful place to live in, Sakalaul emphasized.

Mayor Hataman, meanwhile, expressed optimism that with rido settled, Sumisip will have a very peaceful conduct of the elections.

Hataman said he expects that election on May 12 , 2013 will be peaceful and orderly considering the improved peace situation prevailing in the area.

Hataman, who is running unopposed as re-electionist mayor under the administration Liberal Party who will serve his 2nd term, once elected in the coming polls, disclosed that he has already settled many family conflict since he assumed as mayor in 2010.