A long-standing clan feud between two rival groups in Maguindanao del Sur has finally been settled through a successful rido settlement held on November 3, 2025, at the Governor’s Extension Office in Talayan.
The peace accord was reached between the groups of Commander Saya “Taya” S. Said and Barangay Chairman Suharto K. Talintam of Barangay Tugal, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur. The event was spearheaded by Hon. Datu Ali Midtimbang Sr. Al-Hajj, Governor of Maguindanao del Sur, with the presence of key military and government officials who facilitated the reconciliation process.
Among those who witnessed the settlement were BGen. Omar Rozco, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade; BGen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion; P/Col. Sultan Salman Sapal, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police; Vice Governor Hisham Nando; Board Member Yasser Ampatuan; Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allandatu M. Angas; and former Guindulungan Mayor Rafsanjani P. Ali.
Through the concerted efforts of the provincial government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and local officials, both parties agreed to lay down arms and embrace peace through dialogue, forgiveness, and cultural reconciliation — a process deeply rooted in Moro tradition.
Governor Midtimbang underscored the importance of unity and compassion in his message: “We must stand together and leave behind our misunderstandings. With sincerity and faith in peace, we can prevent violence. I hope all rido conflicts will end for the good of Maguindanao del Sur.”
BGen. Rozco also expressed gratitude to both parties for their cooperation, emphasizing that “our troops are always ready to mediate to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to protect civilians.”
Meanwhile, BGen. Catu highlighted that many major rido conflicts have been resolved through open dialogue. “Nothing is impossible when both sides are willing to talk. Each settlement is a step toward unity and development,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command and the 6th Infantry Division, lauded the collaborative peace efforts, saying, “This victory belongs to the people most affected by violence. Let us continue peace mediation initiatives like this to completely eradicate rido and bring lasting peace and progress not only in BARMM but throughout Mindanao.”
The settlement marks another milestone in Maguindanao del Sur’s continuing pursuit of peace and reconciliation, signaling hope for communities long divided by conflict.