Malabang, Lanao del Sur – September 24, 2024 – Two individuals were killed, and four others were injured in an armed clash between rival Moro families involved in a “rido” or clan feud in the Poblacion area of Malabang, Lanao del Sur, on Tuesday morning.
Major Ivan John Bakian, chief of the Malabang Municipal Police Station, identified the deceased as “Fajad” and “Nodin,” both from opposing clans in the region. The conflict erupted in Barangays Bacayawan and Lati, both residential areas in Malabang.
According to provincial police spokesperson Maj. Salahuddin Basher, the clash between the families broke out early Tuesday, just a week after a peaceful settlement had been brokered by local officials from the Malabang and Lanao del Sur provincial governments. Despite the recent agreement, tensions between the families re-ignited, resulting in the fatal confrontation.
Law enforcement and military units were immediately deployed to contain the violence and prevent further escalation. “Police forces, with support from the military, were mobilized swiftly to avoid more bloodshed and ensure the safety of the residents,” Basher said.
The injured individuals were identified as Ansary Didik, 60, and Hamdanie Ibrahim, 42, both from Barangay Bacayawan, as well as Esmail Abdul, 53, and Jemar Abdul, 22, from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. All four victims are currently receiving medical care at the Dr. Serapio Montañer Hospital.
The long-standing conflict between the two prominent clans comes amid heightened tensions leading up to the filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 2025 local elections. Political rivalry is often intertwined with family disputes in the region, exacerbating rido violence. Clan feuds like this are common in parts of Mindanao, where grievances can persist for years, often reigniting around election seasons.
In fact, Malabang has been a hotspot for election-related violence. The town was placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during last year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, as well as the 2022 national and local polls, due to intense political rivalries and the potential for violence.
In the wake of the recent clash, Major Bakian reported that ongoing operations are being conducted to secure the area, especially in clearing unexploded ordnance, including M79 grenades and 40mm rifle grenades. “Our priority is to ensure that the area is safe for civilians and to prevent any more casualties,” Bakian said.
Local authorities are calling on both sides to adhere to the peace agreements previously established, while mediation efforts are underway to avoid further violence.
