Malabang, Lanao del Sur (27 August) -- About 200 civilians from barangays Sumbagarogong and Pasir of this town were affected by the recent skirmish between two warring families.
According to the police report, the armed conflict between the groups of Nasiba Mamasila Marohom and Jamail Balindong Cariga occurred around 3:00 pm Wednesday, August 25.
No casualty was reported by the police authorities.
Police Superintendent Cosanie M. Derogongan, provincial police director, confirmed that a long-standing family feud or "rido" that claimed innocent lives from both sides was the root cause of the armed confrontation.
On the same day, Derogongan initiated a peaceful dialogue between the two warring groups that helped suspend their hostile actions.
After the dialogue, a municipal crisis management committee (CMC) was convened to mediate and pacify the two groups as well as find possible resolutions to their conflict.
The CMC is composed of police and military officials, municipal officials and traditional leaders.
As of press time, Derogongan said the peace and order situation is under control.
Although the situation is already under control by the CMC, its members agreed that should any of the groups violate the temporary cessation of the conflict shall be sanctioned by the CMC, he added.
Family feud has been a stumbling block in the peace building efforts of the provincial government. It has affected the local economy because businessmen hesitate to do business in the province for the fear of being caught in the crossfire.
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