Montawal LGU execs settle election conflict between feudal groups

MAGUINDANAO --- Two Maguindanaon clans that figured in gunfights following the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections reconciled Wednesday.The leaders of the feuding groups, Salaban Mindalagat and Safrola Buday, promised to disengage their armed relatives and supporters who figured in a spate of encounters immediately after the May 14 polls.The reelectionist Mindalagat, chairman of Barangay Dungguan in Datu Montawal town in the second district of Maguindanao, lost to Buday in Monday’s election.They have sworn to co-exist again as relatives and neighbors through the intercession of their municipal peace and order council chaired by Mayor Vicman Montawal.Mindalagat also willingly committed to accept his defeat and put closure to his deep-seated rivalry with Buday, his incoming successor.No one was hurt in the encounters between their groups but the gunshots and grenade blasts that repeatedly reverberated through the scenes of their clashes sent villagers running for their lives.Local officials have warned to prosecute them both if they violate their peace compact, brokered with the help of the municipal council led by its presiding chairman, Vice Mayor Otho Montawal.The vice mayor said he is thankful to the Datu Montawal municipal police, the military and the joint ceasefire committee ofthe government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for helping settle the conflict.