MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — In a decisive move to prevent the escalation of a potentially deadly family feud, personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDS PPO) actively participated in an amicable settlement conference aimed at averting the occurrence of rido between two families in Barangay Basak Malutlut.
The peace-building initiative was led by PCPT Sirad C. Dimalna Jr., 1st Platoon Leader of the 1st PMFC, under the leadership of PMAJ Ivan John B. Bakian, Officer-in-Charge Force Commander. The effort was initiated by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Basak Malutlut, headed by Barangay Chairman Hon. Alfarouky I. Langco, in close coordination with religious sector leaders, underscoring a unified community approach to conflict resolution.
Held at the Barangay Gymnasium of Basak Malutlut, the settlement conference provided a neutral and secure venue for dialogue, reconciliation, and mediation. Authorities emphasized that early intervention is crucial in preventing rido—a long-standing clan-based conflict system that has historically led to cycles of violence, loss of lives, and community instability in parts of Mindanao.
Police officials lauded the cooperation between law enforcement, local government, and religious leaders, noting that such collaborative efforts are vital in maintaining peace and order. The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy of preventive policing and community engagement, prioritizing dialogue and reconciliation over reactive law enforcement.
The LDS PPO reiterated its commitment to supporting local peace mechanisms and called on communities to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means, stressing that unity and mutual understanding remain the strongest safeguards against violence.