Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur — Local leaders, security officials, and community representatives gathered today in a high-level dialogue tackling ancestral domain issues affecting the indigenous Teduray people in Datu Hoffer.
The meeting, presided over by Municipal Mayor Hon. Datu Prince Sufri M. Ampatuan and Vice Mayor Hon. Bai Bongbong M. Ampatuan, was convened to address long-standing concerns over ancestral land claims and to strengthen peace initiatives in the municipality.
Present during the dialogue were PCOL Sultan Salman H. Sapal, Provincial Director of Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO); PLTCOL Badrudin Esmael of the SALAAM Police Center, Western Mindanao; PCPT Beatriz Tarza and personnel of Datu Hoffer Municipal Police Station; and LTCOL Loqui Marco of the 90th Infantry Battalion.
The event was also graced by Bangsamoro Transition Authority Members of Parliament Butch Malang, Chairman of the MILF-CCCH, and MP Froilyn Mendoza, alongside barangay officials and representatives from the Indigenous Peoples (IP) sector.
The dialogue placed a spotlight on the Tiduray community’s ancestral domain rights. PCOL Sapal underscored the importance of constructive discussions in resolving disputes, saying that open communication is key to easing tensions and fostering cooperation among communities with differing interests.
The session aimed to provide a platform for grievances to be heard, build mutual trust, and encourage collaborative pathways for peace and development. Stakeholders were able to identify shared priorities, particularly the integration of marginalized groups like indigenous peoples in local development processes.
This initiative marks an important step toward inclusive governance in Datu Hoffer, reflecting the commitment of both local officials and community leaders to address sensitive issues peacefully and ensure that the voices of all sectors are recognized in shaping the municipality’s future.