August 26, 2025 — The Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, led by Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, facilitated a peace mediation between the parties of Honorable Datu Rhenz Tukuran “Datu Puti,” Mayor of Nabalawag, Special Geographic Area (SGA), BARMM, and Norodin Omar “Obiten.” The mediation was held at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Al Victor C. Burkley.
The dialogue brought together local officials, military leaders, and representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Among those present were Lt. Col. Edgardo B. Batinay, Commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion; Maguindanao del Sur Board Member Yasser Ampatuan; Mr. Ansari K. Manan of MILF-CCCH; PCPT Anthony A. Basañes, Chief of Police of Datu Piang; as well as leaders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF-MILF) and community stakeholders.
Through the mediation, both parties agreed to reconcile, forgive past grievances, and work toward strengthening their ties as brothers united by their faith and shared vision for peace and development. A formal Peace Agreement was signed as a symbol of their commitment to end hostilities and foster lasting harmony in their communities.
Brig. Gen. Catu highlighted the significance of the agreement, saying, “This settlement serves as an example that genuine peace can only be achieved when both sides are willing to forgive and cooperate for the common good. May this be a bridge for stronger ties among our communities.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended the 601st Brigade, 6IB, 34IB, local government units of Nabalawag and Datu Piang, and MILF leaders for their collective effort. “The success of this Peace Mediation is proof of strong cooperation among the AFP, local governments, MILF, and other stakeholders. We encourage everyone to sustain this unity to finally end conflict and open a new chapter of progress and peace in the region,” he said.
The initiative marks another milestone in the continuing peacebuilding efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), underscoring the role of dialogue, forgiveness, and partnership in achieving sustainable peace.