SUMISIP, BASILAN — In a landmark move toward lasting peace, eight families from five barangays of Sumisip formally ended decades of violent clan feuds through a historic “Pagbanta Settlement” spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Basilan under Governor Mujiv Hataman, in partnership with the local government of Sumisip, the 101st Infantry Brigade, and the Philippine National Police.
The settlement, held at the municipal amphitheater on September 13, was witnessed by key officials including Sumisip Mayor Julz Hataman, Vice Mayor Gulam Hataman—who initiated the reconciliation process—101st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Frederick Sales, and Basilan PNP Provincial Director Col. Cerrazid Umabong.
The reconciled families included:
- The family of Imaran Burih versus the family of the late Ahmad Talani (Barangays Mahatallang and Guiong)
- The family of the late Masdar Kintalan versus the family of Manar Dasan (Barangay Sucaten)
- The family of Hadji Martin Muslimin versus the family of Abdulbaki Ismaul (Barangay Tong Sengal)
- The family of Mudznim Asjad versus the family of Nasser Buena (Barangay Ettub-Ettub)
In an emotional ceremony, the families shook hands, embraced, and signed a peace covenant, pledging to end their hostilities and return to normal lives. Several residents also turned over firearms as part of the peace gesture.
Governor Mujiv Hataman, visibly moved, recalled his own family’s experience with similar conflicts, underscoring the urgency of ending cycles of violence. “Tuluyan na nating tapusin ang karahasan,” he urged, stressing that resolving Pagbanta cases remains a top priority of his administration. Based on records from the 101st Infantry Brigade, 39 out of 44 recorded cases have already been settled peacefully.
Mayor Julz Hataman lauded the courage of the families to reconcile, expressing hope that this would be the last such settlement in his municipality. He also thanked his uncle, Governor Hataman, as well as BGen. Sales and Col. Umabong for their leadership in facilitating peace.
BGen. Sales emphasized that true solutions to conflicts can only come from dialogue and not through violence. “We all have the capacity to commit violence, but that is not the solution. The only way forward is calm and peaceful discussion,” he said.
Provincial Prosecutor Nurnada Hadjail also highlighted the importance of alternative dispute resolution in Muslim and community customs, calling the reconciliation a manifestation of unity and collective effort for peace.
Col. Umabong, for his part, said the PNP is the happiest when such settlements take place, as they signal order, stability, and hope for the province.
The event, attended by barangay officials, members of the Council of Elders, and local residents, marked another major stride in Basilan’s journey toward peace, progress, and unity.