BASILAN, Philippines — A longstanding rido or clan feud was formally resolved on February 13, 2026, in a peace settlement ceremony held at the Barangay Hall of Pintasan in the municipality of Mohammad Ajul, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and stability in the province.
The settlement was achieved through the combined efforts of the Provincial Government of Basilan, the 11th Infantry Division, the 1101st Infantry Brigade, and the 18th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, alongside the Philippine National Police, the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front 114th Base Command, the Basilan Local Alternative Dispute Resolution Association, Inc., and the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS).
Officials said the successful mediation highlighted a shared commitment among government forces, local leaders, and peace stakeholders to strengthen dialogue, maintain cooperative security efforts, and uphold lasting peace across communities in Basilan.
During the ceremony, Hji. Verjib F. Abdurahman of the MILF 114th Base Command expressed gratitude for the peaceful resolution, noting that the willingness of both families to reconcile signals a renewed path toward harmony and stability—especially with the holy month of Ramadan approaching.
“Alhamdulillah, thank you to Allah for the guidance and blessings granted to the two families who are now ready to embrace peace so they can live again in quiet and safety,” Abdurahman said. He added that unity among community members will help ensure families can move forward without fear as Ramadan draws near.
Also speaking during the event was Ustadz Abdulmuhmin A. Mujahid, former Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), who emphasized forgiveness and spiritual reflection as essential pillars of lasting peace. He said the settlement serves as an opportunity for families affected by past violence to return to the values of Islam and seek reconciliation with one another and with Allah.
“Alhamdulillah, thank you to Allah for guiding the families who were once victims of violence and for opening a path toward justice and reconciliation,” Mujahid said, adding that the upcoming Ramadan is a fitting time for healing, repentance, and renewed compassion among community members.
Meanwhile, Prof. Alzad Sattar, a member of the Council of Elders and former BTA parliament member, thanked all stakeholders who helped facilitate the dialogue and bring the conflict to an end. He reiterated that the provincial government remains open to supporting similar peace initiatives that aim to prevent further violence and restore harmony in local communities.
Sattar also shared that he personally understands the pain caused by clan conflicts, noting that he had also experienced the impact of rido in the past. He urged both families to move forward with peace and unity for the benefit of their barangay and future generations.
Community elders and traditional leaders likewise played a crucial role in the mediation process, helping guide discussions and reaffirming the importance of customary conflict-resolution practices that have long been used in Mindanao to restore relationships among families.
Authorities said the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen public trust, promote participatory governance, and build a safer and more peaceful environment that supports sustainable development across the Bangsamoro region.