THE FIVE coastal towns of Lanao del Sur — Balabagan, Kapatagan, Malabang, Marugong, and Picong — are expected to reap economic benefits from the recent “rido” settlement involving six clans. “Ending these feuds in Mindanao will breed not only harmony but development in strife-torn areas,” Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom), said in a statement. Rido is a type of localized conflict among families and involves violent revenge acts. Last week, a rido settlement brokered by the Lanao del Sur provincial government and WesMinCom was signed among the Dimatingkal, Manalocon, and Cadayon families of Barangay Tiongcop, Malabang who have been in conflict with the Oting, Bacaraman, and Pandato families of Barangay Diragun, Marogong. Following the settlement, the military based in Lanao del Sur, together with the Ranao-Ragat Inter-Agency Task Force, received seven powered firearms from the previously warring clans. “In the long run, these settlements will bring the cessation of hostilities in Mindanao because they will empower communities to converge for peace and economic stability. This is why we are encouraging warring clans to take a decisive step through reconciliation and capitulation of firearms,” Mr. Galvez said. — Albert F. Arcilla

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