SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – Two families locked in a long-standing feud in Barangay Malingao have formally ended their conflict through a Rido Settlement facilitated by Governor Datu Ali “Kagui Ali” Midtimbang, in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government.
The settlement brought reconciliation between Commander Ali P. Damsik, also known as “Boy Trenta,” and Commander Samad Simpal—both members of the 118th Base Command, MILF–Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) under the leadership of Commander Wahid Tundok. Previous clashes between the two groups had caused tension and disrupted peace in the community.
The historic agreement was held at Mango Groves in Talayan and witnessed by 601st Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Col. Sultan Salman Sapal, 118th Base Commander Ustads Wahid Tondok, and 128th Base Commander Sheik Yasser. It was also attended by LTC Loqui O. Marco (CO, 90IB), LTC Al Victor C. Burkley (CO, 6IB), LTC Germen Legada (CO, 33IB), Former Member of Parliament Datu Antao Midtimbang, Board Member Yasser Ampatuan, and MILF–CCCH Chairman MP Butch Malang.
As a symbolic commitment to lasting peace, both commanders, along with sub-leaders involved in the dispute—including Razak Ismael, Mando Taha, Salipada Samad, Rasul Taha, Alimudin Kimbon, Abdul Abdulpatah, Muhidin Simpal, Pait Mohamad, Bano Mohamad, Dawi Murita, Datu Adam, Naser Hansa, Muhidin Abilusa, Ismael Manap, Norben Salik, Saparudin Mohamadali, Gani Guiaman, Nordz Tasil, Rasid Adam, and Kiti Silongan—took an oath on the Holy Qur’an to never engage in hostilities again.
Governor Midtimbang, whose “Peace and Reconciliation” program is among his top priorities, hailed the agreement as a milestone in the province’s quest for stability. “Ang ating pagtutulungan at pagkakasundo ang siyang magbubukas ng pintuan para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan ng Maguindanao del Sur. Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na pairalin ang diwa ng pagkakaisa upang tuluyan nating maiwasan ang anumang hidwaan,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Catu stressed that any MILF–BIAF member who violates the agreement will be expelled from the group, face criminal charges, and become a target of military operations. “Walang mag-reinforce mula sa ibang grupo upang hindi lumaki ang gulo. Ang ating kasundaluhan ay walang ibang hangarin kundi ang mapanatili ang katahimikan sa lugar,” he warned.
Mayor Ampatuan also expressed gratitude to Governor Midtimbang and the security sector for their efforts, noting that the resolution of the dispute brings renewed hope for peace in Barangay Malingao. Col. Sapal likewise urged other warring clans in Maguindanao del Sur to follow this example, abandon conflict, and work together for the peace, unity, and progress of their communities.