BULDON, Maguindanao del Norte — In a historic show of unity, four municipalities in Maguindanao del Norte — Matanog, Barira, Buldon, and Parang — have strengthened their alliance through the Iranun Development Council (IDC), with one shared mission: to end the cycle of rido (clan feuds), curb criminality, and secure lasting peace and development in the Iranun areas.
The vision is clear. By working hand-in-hand with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the provincial government, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and various non-government organizations, the Iranun leaders have laid down a common framework for peacebuilding that prioritizes reconciliation, crime prevention, and community progress.
A Collective Stand Against Rido
During the recently concluded Iranun Peace Summit, local chief executives from the four municipalities signed a Pledge of Commitment, symbolizing their sincerity and determination to put an end to rido once and for all.
“No one benefits from rido,” the council emphasized, underscoring how clan wars have, for decades, stunted economic growth and destroyed family and community ties. The pledge represents not just political will but also the shared aspirations of the Iranun people to transform their homeland from a “war zone” into an economic zone attractive to investors.
From Conflict to Cooperation
Vice Mayor Abolais Manalao of Buldon, the host of the summit, highlighted the significance of the gathering, stressing that unity among the Iranun municipalities is the strongest weapon against division and violence.
Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay, who also chairs the IDC, echoed this message: “We have one direction — to put an end to rido, to strengthen our campaign against crime, and to pave the way for development in our municipalities.”
This sentiment was reinforced by BGen. Larry Batalla, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Brigade, who expressed the military’s full support in sustaining peace and countering terrorism in the region.
Peace as a Pathway to Development
The Iranun Development Council’s advocacy has already shown positive impact in communities. Residents are beginning to feel safer, markets are becoming more active, and opportunities for livelihood are emerging. The unity among the four municipalities also ensures that “no one gets left behind” — a principle that the IDC firmly upholds by assisting one another in times of conflict or crisis.
The summit’s theme, “Toward Adopting a Common Framework on Rido Settlement and Crime Prevention Programs,” encapsulates the long-term vision: to institutionalize a culture of peace, justice, and progress in the Iranun municipalities.
From fractured communities scarred by clan wars, the Iranun municipalities are now charting a new path forward. With unity as their foundation, peace as their banner, and development as their goal, the IDC’s message is clear — the Iranun homeland is no longer a place of conflict, but a land of opportunity and hope.