Luuk, Sulu – In a moment of unity and reconciliation that echoes beyond the walls of a function hall in Barangay Tandu Bato, two families in Luuk, Sulu — once torn apart by a decades-old rido — have chosen the path of peace. On June 19, 2025, the Jumala and Idno families laid down the grievances of nearly 20 years during an amicable settlement witnessed by community leaders and the security sector, putting an end to a long and painful chapter in their lives.
Held at the Ana Bay Hotel Function Hall, the historic reconciliation was not just a resolution of personal animosity; it was a beacon of what can be achieved through persistence, dialogue, and the collaboration of stakeholders committed to peace. The event was spearheaded by Luuk Mayor Al-Makram N. Arbison, with the support of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, and was marked by the presence of key figures from the security sector — a testament to their crucial role in the peacebuilding process.
A Painful History
The conflict began with a tragic loss — the death of Julhasan Jumala — which ignited a rift between the Jumala and Idno families that would smolder for two decades. Like many rido cases in Mindanao, what started as a personal grievance escalated into a cycle of retaliation and mistrust, creating an undercurrent of fear and division in the community.
These long-standing feuds, often rooted in land disputes, political rivalry, or issues of honor, are not easily resolved. They become intergenerational burdens that hinder development, threaten safety, and tear communities apart. For years, efforts to reconcile the two families were met with hesitation and setbacks. But through sustained dialogue and the involvement of trusted intermediaries, a peaceful settlement finally took shape.
The Role of the Security Sector
The successful resolution of the rido in Luuk underscores the indispensable role of the security sector in peacebuilding. Representing the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, Col. Alex H. Gagula, Deputy Brigade Commander, lauded the courage of both families and reaffirmed the Philippine Army’s support for local reconciliation efforts. “By ending this rido, you are setting a powerful example for other communities grappling with similar conflicts,” he said in his remarks.
Present with him were Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Battalion; Police Captain Marcelo Agarin, Officer-in-Charge of Luuk Municipal Police Station; and Hon. Abdurajik Abbas, Sangguniang Bayan Chairman on Peace and Order — each of them a partner in the long journey to peace.
The military’s role in Sulu has evolved beyond traditional security functions. Today, soldiers and officers are community partners — engaging in peace dialogues, facilitating negotiations, and supporting programs that heal and rebuild. Their presence lends both moral authority and logistical support to the reconciliation process, helping to ensure agreements are respected and peace is sustained.
A Community Victory
While the signing of a peace pact may seem symbolic, its impact on the ground is transformative. For residents of Luuk, the settlement restores a sense of safety, opens pathways for dialogue, and paves the way for rebuilding trust — not just between the Jumala and Idno families, but among neighbors and local leaders.
Mayor Arbison, whose leadership helped steer the process, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “This is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. We must protect the peace we’ve built today and extend it to others still caught in the grip of conflict.”
Moving Forward
The resolution of the Jumala-Idno rido is a powerful reminder that peace is possible — even in areas long affected by conflict. It also highlights that reconciliation requires more than just good intentions; it demands sustained effort, inter-agency cooperation, and the courage of those willing to forgive.
In Sulu and across conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, the integration of security forces into peace and development initiatives is proving vital. Their partnership with local governments, civil society, and community leaders creates a sturdy framework upon which enduring peace can be built.
As the community of Luuk turns the page, its story stands as both inspiration and instruction: that through unity, understanding, and the collective will to heal, even the most deep-seated conflicts can be resolved — one dialogue at a time.