Panglima Estino, Sulu — A long-standing clan feud that stemmed from two deadly shooting incidents in 2024 and 2025 has finally come to a peaceful resolution after the families of Padjid Yusop Ubaidulla and Rasmin Asara signed an Amicable Settlement and Peace Covenant on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Municipal Hall of Panglima Estino.
The First Party was represented by Padjid Yusup, Maximar Padjid, and Muntizar Padjid, while the Second Party was represented by Rasmin Asara, Ladja Asara, Hairulla Asara, Wilma Asara, Ganih Asdain, Bebi Jumah Awwalon, Alih Abdurahman, and Moderna Muktar. Both families agreed to withdraw all complaints, put an end to hostilities, and embrace reconciliation for the sake of peace and unity in their communities.
The rido (clan feud) traces back to June 18, 2024, when a shooting incident in Barangay Kanbulak, Luuk, claimed the life of Nurikman Padjid. In what authorities believe was an act of retaliation, a subsequent ambush on June 22, 2025, in Barangay Kan-Asali, Panamao, killed Asbi Mallah and left two civilians injured. The cycle of violence threatened to spiral further, risking not only the safety of the families involved but also the broader stability of the area.
The peace covenant was made possible through the joint intercession of the Municipal Government of Panglima Estino and the Municipal Government of Omar, supported by local leaders and security officials. Witnesses included Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino, Omar Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibon, Panglima Estino Vice Mayor Morsid Estino, Sulu 2nd District Board Member Sherhan Najar, and Hon. Reza Estino, Chairperson of the Committee on Peace and Order.
The military and police were also strongly represented, with the presence of Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade; Col. Wilfredo B. Borgonia Jr., Executive Officer of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commander of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion; Lt. Col. Ronald Borras, Commander of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion; along with senior officials from the 11th Infantry Division and the Sulu Provincial Police Office.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Delos Santos lauded both clans for their decision to reconcile, emphasizing that forgiveness is an act of courage rather than weakness.
“This act of reconciliation is not a sign of weakness but of true courage. It takes more strength to forgive than to seek revenge. Today, you have chosen peace over conflict, life over death, and hope over hatred. This decision will be remembered by your children and grandchildren as the day you gave them a better future,” he said.
He also reminded the community that sustaining peace requires collective responsibility, stressing that “true and lasting peace must come from your own hearts and from your willingness to break the cycle of violence.”
Delos Santos assured the families that the Philippine Army will continue to support the covenant:
“As your commander, I assure you that we will continue to walk with you, hand in hand, to protect this peace covenant. Let this settlement be a beacon of hope, not only for your families but for all of Sulu. If forgiveness is possible here, then peace is possible everywhere.”
Local leaders hailed the event as a milestone in peacebuilding for Sulu’s second district, proving that even deep-seated disputes can be resolved through dialogue, reconciliation, and the cooperation of the community.