PUALAS, Lanao del Sur — A decades-long rido (clan feud) between the families of Mutin Dimawkong and Dimala Dimawkong officially came to an end after both parties voluntarily agreed to a peaceful settlement during a reconciliation ceremony held on June 29, 2026, at the Municipal Hall in Barangay Talambo, Pualas.
The peace settlement was conducted under heightened security and with the presence of key officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government units (LGUs), and community leaders, underscoring the significance of the agreement in preserving peace and stability in the municipality.
Leading the police delegation was Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Caezar P. Cabuhat, who personally attended, witnessed, and supervised the security coverage and police visibility operations throughout the reconciliation process.
He was joined by Police Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Christopher O. Adiong, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations; Police Captain Mohammad Hazem S. Amaikurut, Deputy Chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU); and Police Captain Sirad C. Dimalna Jr., Acting Chief of Police of the Pualas Municipal Police Station.
The reconciliation ceremony was likewise witnessed by Pualas Mayor Al-Ihsan “Mama” M. Ibrahim, Vice Mayor Diamaloden L. Maruhom, officials of the Pualas Municipal Police Station, and officers of the Philippine Army led by Major Benson Brayan M. Rosalejos, Battalion Executive Officer of the 51st Infantry Battalion, and Captain John Mark S. Tayaban, Commanding Officer of Bravo Company.
Barangay officials, respected community leaders, and members of the two families also attended the event, lending their support to the peace agreement.
According to authorities, both parties voluntarily entered into the settlement and committed themselves to maintaining harmonious relationships, ending years of hostility that had affected not only their families but also the surrounding communities.
The successful mediation highlighted the collaborative efforts of the local government, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, barangay officials, and community leaders in fostering dialogue and reconciliation instead of violence.
Police officials emphasized that resolving rido cases remains a crucial component of peacebuilding initiatives in Lanao del Sur, where clan conflicts have historically posed challenges to public order and community development.
Authorities said the peaceful resolution serves as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated conflict-resolution mechanisms and community engagement in addressing long-standing disputes.
The settlement is expected to strengthen peace and security in Pualas while promoting unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among residents.
The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding initiatives and working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that similar conflicts are resolved through lawful and peaceful means rather than violence.