COTABATO CITY — In a bid to curb family and clan feuds known as rido, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), in partnership with barangay local governments, religious leaders, and security forces, spearheaded a four-day Community-Based Advocacy on Preventing Rido across four barangays in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The advocacy sessions were held in Barangays Mudseng, Nabalawag, Balong, and Lagundi, focusing on raising community awareness of the root causes of rido and fostering peace, tolerance, and unity, especially in the lead-up to and during elections — a period often associated with heightened tensions and violence.
Islamic scholar Ustadz Abdulwahab Kawilan was among the speakers, urging participants to uphold Islamic teachings when addressing disputes and to choose leaders who reflect Islamic values.
“Leadership grounded in Islamic values is key to maintaining peace in our neighborhoods,” Kawilan stressed during the forum.
Meanwhile, 1LT Folren Bulauan of the 34th Infantry Battalion, Armed Forces of the Philippines, also addressed the attendees, highlighting the military’s commitment to ensuring secure and fair elections in the region. She also emphasized the need to safeguard women’s rights during these critical times.
In a statement, the MPOS reaffirmed its dedication to fostering peace and unity across Bangsamoro communities.
“As MPOS continues its journey to sustainable peace and development, the Community-Based Advocacy symbolizes the ministry’s unwavering commitment to foster the culture of peace towards unity,” the statement read.
The activity reflects ongoing efforts by the regional government to address deep-seated conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
