AFP helps end 20-year bloody Muslim clan war

GEN. SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao – An Army colonel and his buddy have been doing two things almost at the same time, that is running after IS linked terrorists in the Maguindanao marshland and brokering warring families to smoke the pipe of peace. The military here facilitated the settlement of a 20-year-old Muslim clan war that already claimed the lives of a dozen persons from both sides.It was historic and sweet as it came during the Eud’l Fitr or the end of fasting month of Ramadhan. They ended their 20-year-old bloody clan war and it was historic for they did it on Eud’l Fitr (end of fasting month), Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rdInfantry Battalion, said.Cabuoc brokered the peaceful settlement of the violent dispute between the families of Guiamadel Sinumagan, 50, and Castro Mohammad, 47, both of Midpandacan village here upon their request. I would like to help in settling all disputes that had claimed numerous lives. Ridos are drivers of armed conflicts that pave the way for the rise of violent extremism in Central Mindanao, Cabunoc said.Teary eyed, Guiamadel said he was very grateful for the efforts of the military in helping him bring about peace in their community. I am tired fighting against blood relatives and fellow Muslims. We need to give a brighter future for our children, Guiamadel shared.Mohammad, village chair of Midpandacan, for his part, was grateful for the military officials who helped them bring about peace they longed for so long. As the newly elected village chairman, I will serve you all faithfully. Let us put all these bad memories behind us, he said.Held in a makeshift waiting shed beside an abandoned school, the rido settlement was also witnessed by Lt. Colonel Lauro Oliveros, commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, GSK Pendatun Vice Mayor Salman Kali and local Muslim religious leader Datu Bimbo Ali.The tandem of Cabunoc and Oliveros had settled two clan wars in the past months.The warring clans turned over five high powered firearms that include one cal. 50 sniper rifle, an M-14 Armalite rifle and three Garand rifles. You have made a mark during the Eidul Fitr celebration today. You have demonstrated that peace has a chance, said Brig. General Cirilito Sobejana, 6thInfantry Division commander, said. Cabunoc and Oliveros have been in the forefront of government's campaign against terrorists, winning the battle with the destruction of the terrorists' bomb making facility, recovery of firearms and arrest of two bombers.