MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 1, 2011) – Philippine military officials on Friday said two warring Muslim clans in Mindanao have agreed to settle their feuds and vowed to support peace efforts in the southern province of Lanao del Sur.
Officials said the influential Dimaporo and Balindong clans have reconciled on Thursday in Marawi City. Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong and Representative Ali Balindong spearheaded the reconciliation which was also backed by the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade.
Both parties took oath to put an end in the perpetuation of exacting revenge against one another before signing the official agreement.
“They pledged to forgive the previous offenses that they have inflicted against each other and stop the retaliation in their time for the benefit of the generations to come. Likewise, they have sworn to endeavor rekindling unity and alliance between them,” said Colonel Daniel Lucero, the local army commander.
He said the dispute between the two groups erupted after one of the Balindong shot a Dimaporo clan member last month in Cagayan de Oro City despite the clans’ marriage affiliation.
Lucero said they will not tolerate violence in the province and also appealed to other feuding clans and warring families to reconcile and end their differences peacefully.
“Anyone who will violate this agreement will be treated as our enemy. It is my hope that more warring families will resort to the same resolution of conflict among them. I express my heartfelt gratitude to both parties for giving reconciliation a chance,” Lucero said.
He said among the proponents of the settlement included local religious and tribal leaders, and local chief executives and the provincial police force. (Mindanao Examiner)
No comments:
Post a Comment