MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — January 4, 2026
In a decisive step toward ending years of tension and restoring stability in conflict-affected communities, rival groups from Barangay Bakat in Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Barangay Dasikil in Mamasapano formally laid down their arms after successfully concluding a Peace Dialogue and signing a Ceasefire Agreement on Sunday.
The landmark accord marks a turning point for the two barangays, which have long been burdened by intermittent hostilities that disrupted daily life, threatened civilian safety, and stalled development efforts. Community leaders and peace stakeholders hailed the agreement as a powerful affirmation that dialogue—rather than violence—remains the most effective path to lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.
The successful peace initiative was made possible through strong inter-agency and multi-sectoral collaboration led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front–Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH), under the guidance of its chairperson, MP Butch Malang. The process was actively supported by the 6th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Al Victor Burkley, the Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police Station led by Police Captain Yasher Tudon Hadjirulla, and the Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSRO-BARMM).
Peace and security officials emphasized that the dialogue addressed the roots of the conflict, allowed both parties to air grievances in a controlled and respectful setting, and reinforced shared commitments to protect civilians and uphold community harmony. The ceasefire agreement formally binds the opposing groups to end hostilities and to resolve future disputes through established peace mechanisms.
For residents of Barangay Bakat and Barangay Dasikil, the agreement brings renewed hope. With guns silenced, communities can now focus on rebuilding trust, reviving livelihoods, and ensuring that children can grow up free from fear.
Stakeholders described the signing as more than a symbolic gesture—it is a concrete demonstration that unity and cooperation among former adversaries, local leaders, security forces, and peace institutions can overcome deeply rooted conflicts. It also underscores the growing capacity of Bangsamoro-led mechanisms to resolve local disputes and sustain peace from the ground up.
As Maguindanao del Sur continues its journey toward normalization, the successful Peace Dialogue and Ceasefire Agreement stand as a compelling reminder: lasting peace is achievable when communities choose understanding over enmity and work together for a shared future.