OMAR, SULU — A new dawn of peace and reconciliation broke over the island province of Sulu as the Municipality of Omar was officially declared the first Rido-Free Municipality on October 9, 2025 — marking a historic milestone in the province’s ongoing journey toward lasting peace and social harmony.
Held at the Omar Covered Court in Barangay Lahing-Lahing, the momentous declaration gathered top provincial leaders, military and police officials, religious leaders, and peace advocates who came together to celebrate a collective victory — one born from dialogue, forgiveness, and the courage to break cycles of vengeance.
The event was graced by key officials including Governor Abdusakur Tan II, Vice Governor Abdusakur Mahail Tan, Municipal Mayor Abdulbaki J. Ajibon, Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, and Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade.
They were joined by Police Lt. Col. Benjamin Usman, Deputy Provincial Director of the Sulu Police Provincial Office; Vice Mayor Juddin-Nur Pantasan; Lt. Col. Dante Mantes, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion; as well as neighboring local executives, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and the people of Omar, whose shared resolve made the milestone possible.
A Celebration of Dialogue Over Division
The ceremony began with an interfaith prayer and a multimedia presentation showing the successful settlement of long-standing rido, or clan feuds, in Omar. The highlight of the event was the signing of the resolution declaring the municipality as Rido-Free, a symbolic gesture that underscored the triumph of peace over revenge.
“This is the answer to the question of what comes next after we declared Sulu as ASG-Free in September 2024,” said Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, referring to the earlier milestone that marked the province’s liberation from the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“After liberating Sulu from terrorism, our next mission is to free our communities from internal conflicts and rido,” he continued. “This initiative is part of our broader vision to achieve lasting peace through gun-free and peace-centered communities across the Second District of Sulu.”
The LSC Framework in Action
Brig. Gen. Delos Santos highlighted the Rido-Free initiative as a product of the LGU-led, Security sector supported, and Community-based (LSC) Operational Framework — a peacebuilding model pioneered by the 1102nd Infantry Brigade.
“This is a living example of how the LGU, the AFP, and the community can work together — turning peace agreements into reality, resolving disputes through dialogue, and rebuilding trust that sustains genuine peace,” he explained.
The general also lauded Governor Tan II’s leadership and the provincial government’s recent groundbreaking of a modern Justice Hall, which he said strengthens the rule of law and reinforces people’s faith in a fair and functioning justice system.
“The Rido-Free program is not just about ending conflict — it is about fulfilling justice,” Delos Santos emphasized. “When families reconcile and communities unite, people regain their trust in the law and in good governance. Peace and justice walk hand in hand, for one cannot exist without the other.”
A Symbol of Hope for Sulu
The declaration concluded with the signing of a peace covenant and the release of white doves, symbolizing freedom, reconciliation, and the promise of a peaceful tomorrow. The event culminated in a communal boodle fight, where residents and officials dined together — a gesture of equality and unity across former lines of division.
In his closing message, Brig. Gen. Delos Santos hailed Omar’s success as “a symbol of hope for the entire province.”
“If Omar can do it, others can too,” he declared. “Together, we will continue to build a Sulu that is not just free from terrorism, but free from division — a Sulu founded on peace, justice, and unity.”
From Conflict to Community
Once scarred by clan conflicts, Omar now stands as a model for other municipalities — proving that genuine peace is achievable when communities take the lead. The declaration of Omar as Sulu’s first Rido-Free town is not merely a political or military victory; it is a human victory — one that restores dignity, hope, and faith among the people.
From the ashes of rido now rises a community united in purpose. Omar’s transformation signals a broader shift across Sulu — from being known as a land of warriors to becoming a land of peacekeepers, justice seekers, and bridge-builders for a brighter and more harmonious tomorrow.