COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Six clans from the town of Buldon, Maguindanao agreed to settle their differences in ceremonies at Camp Siongco, headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
The rido between the Abo and Mamalakat, Taaral and Mamaco, and Pacasmo and Wadia families had been going on for more than a decade and claimed at least 12 lives.
Buldon Mayor Abolais Manalao, who helped mediate the settlements, also convinced the clans to give up a number of firearms, including a sniper rifle, in exchange for farm animals.
The settlement was witnessed by Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, Maguindanao League of Municipalities president Freddie Mangudadatu, 603rd Infantry Brigade commader Jesus Sarsagat and 6th ID chief Major General Arnel Dela Vega.