ADDRESSING CLAN WARS. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's Ministry of Public Order and Safety has started the series of consultative meetings from June 8-9 in Maguindanao to address 'rido' or family feuds in the region. BARMM minister Hussein Muñoz (at the podium) said the consultations will go around on other scheduled dates in the other province-components of BARMM that includes Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. (Photo courtesy of BPI-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY – To address clan wars or “rido” in the region, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) is holding a series of consultative assembly on conflict resolution all over the region’s five provinces.
The first leg of the activity was conducted in the city from June 8-9 for the participants of Maguindanao Cluster 1.
Participants include experts, influential leaders, and members of various organizations whose efforts are related to the prevention and settlement of “rido” (clan war).
“Beyond work on governance, we need to focus on resolving ‘rido’ since the unrest and unstable peace situation in our region hinders our economic development,” MPOS minister Hussein Muñoz said.
During the assembly, the participants took part in workshops on resolving rido and conflicts, such as conflict tree analysis on the causes and effects of “rido”; identification of best practices, compromise gaps and challenges in mediating conflicts; and formulations on workable solutions and recommendations.
Muñoz said it was crucial to involve the public in discussions and consultations on “how we can maintain peace and order, and resolve rido which contributed to violence, displacement, and untold sufferings our people.”
“While major skirmishes are not common anymore, clan war is still prevalent in some parts of the BARMM,” he noted.
He also underscored the need to settle clan wars to kick off major economic development in the region. A similar activity will also be conducted in the areas of Maguindanao Cluster 2 on June 10-11 and Lanao del Sur on June 15-16.
Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the schedule intended for the island provinces of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi will still depend on the lifting of travel restrictions in going to and out of those areas.
Outputs of the activity will be consolidated and will form part of the MPOS’ general strategy in settling “rido” in the region.
“This is a prelude to a long term and methodical framework on settlement, reconciliation and unification efforts in the BARMM.
The success of this activity will lay the solid foundation of our collective efforts to maintain peace and reconcile those involved in rido,” Muñoz said. (PNA)
