Aleosan, North Cotabato – October 21, 2024
Civilians displaced from the conflict in Barangays Bualan, Tugunan, and Sitio Tubak in Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, North Cotabato, will not be permitted to return to their homes until a formal ceasefire is declared between warring factions, according to local authorities.
Tugunan OIC Municipal Councilor Jemmy Adil announced that the civilians will remain in evacuation centers until the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH) and the local government unit (LGU) of Tugunan give the green light for their safe return.
Councilor Adil, together with Tugunan Municipal Administrator Nasser Gayagay, Barangay Lagunde Chairman Sindatok Karim, and Abu Saima Husain from the MILF-CCCH, visited Barangay Bualan yesterday in an effort to mediate between the two rival groups involved in the conflict.
The team first met with the group led by Esmael Makasasa, urging them to agree to a ceasefire and to allow peace negotiations to proceed. Following the discussion, Makasasa’s group expressed its commitment to cooperate in finding a peaceful resolution and restoring normalcy to the affected areas.
Later in the evening, the team reached out to the rival faction led by Commander Montaser Palencia. Councilor Adil and his team conveyed the same message of peace to Palencia’s camp, where they were met with gratitude for their efforts. The team’s sincere intention to mediate was acknowledged by the group, led by individuals identified as Alyas Ked and Montaser Palencia.
The armed conflict in the area has caused significant disruption, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes. The conflict stems from long-standing issues related to land disputes and political rivalries between armed groups in the region.
Local officials and the MILF-CCCH are working towards a ceasefire agreement to ensure the safety of civilians and allow them to return to their homes. However, Councilor Adil emphasized that no one will be permitted to return until peace and stability are fully restored in the area.
Efforts to broker peace between the warring groups continue, with both parties showing initial signs of willingness to find a peaceful solution. The local government remains hopeful that a ceasefire can be achieved soon, allowing the displaced residents to safely return to their homes.
In the meantime, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are providing support to the evacuees, who are waiting for further instructions regarding their return.
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