Pahamudin, Special Geographic Area (SGA) BARMM —
A years-long clan feud (rido) between the Maraguiar and Akmad families has finally come to an end following a successful Conflict Rido Settlement and Unification ceremony held on October 8, 2025, at the municipal covered court of Barangay Libungan Torrita, Pahamudin, SGA of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The historic settlement was spearheaded by Mayor Datu Yasser “Yay” Ebrahim of Pahamudin, in collaboration with the SGA–Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) BARMM, Moro Islamic Liberation Front–Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH), Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the MILF Tugunan Task Force Kasangayon.
During the ceremony, both clans formally signed a peace agreement symbolizing the end of their long-standing hostilities that lasted for more than three years. The event was marked by an emotional exchange of handshakes, hugs, and messages of reconciliation — a powerful gesture of unity and forgiveness. A blood money worth ₱200,000 was also offered as a traditional act of cleansing and healing among the bereaved families.
Among those who witnessed the peace pact were Vice Mayor Ibrahim “Ebs” Rahman, Municipal Councilor Raffy Ben Alhusainie Abusaima Husain, Hon. Basit Minandang of MPOS-BARMM, PCMS Nasser U. Liwaleg (Deputy Chief of Police), PLTCOL Samuel Roy A. Subsuban (Officer-in-Charge, Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office), LTC Edgardo B. Batinay INF (GSC) PA (Battalion Commander, 34th Infantry “Reliable” Battalion, Philippine Army), Hon. Esmael S. Talusan (Barangay Captain of Matilac), POPT Rafael S. Bataan (Chief of Police, Pahamudin MPS), Jimmy Adil (Local Mediator, MPOS), and Edwin Lumayon “RP” Ali of the 3rd Brigade, 105th Base Command, BIAF-MILF.
In his message, Mayor Ebrahim, son of former BARMM Chief Minister Alhaj Murad Ebrahim, expressed deep gratitude to all the parties involved in the peace initiative. He also shared a personal reflection on his upbringing, saying that despite being exposed to a culture where carrying firearms was common, his father’s principles taught him to reject violence.
“There was a time when I wanted to show courage or be ‘astig,’ but I was afraid because I knew my father would never tolerate such behavior,” the mayor said, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to peace.
Vice Mayor Rahman, for his part, described the reconciliation as a significant milestone, noting that the feud between the two families had been one of the most persistent conflicts in the municipality’s history since its establishment.
Mayor Ebrahim also extended appreciation to the PNP, AFP, MILF, MPOS-BARMM, and all mediators who played crucial roles in ensuring the success of the peace settlement. He praised both families for their sincerity and cooperation in choosing peace over conflict.
The successful resolution of the Maraguiar–Akmad clan feud stands as a testament to the enduring efforts of BARMM’s local leaders, peace mediators, and communities to foster lasting peace and unity across conflict-affected areas in Mindanao — a symbol of hope that reconciliation and harmony can indeed triumph over decades of division.