Sultan Sa Barongis settles family feuds

SETTLEMENT --- Mayor RamdatuAngas (center) hopes to settle the conflict of warring families to sustain peace and order for the benefit of the populace. With him are Vice Mayor Al-Fizzar M. Angas (left) and 40th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu. (Gilmhar A. Lao - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS --- This local government unit under the guidance of Mayor RamdatuAngas has mediated for the settlement of a long standing conflict betweenthe families of AntolinMindalandHadjiPiangGuiamadil.

In a meeting last March 6 held at the ABC Hall buildingin PoblacionBarurao with the presence of municipal and barangay officials, representatives from both families, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army, Mayor Angas said the warringfamilies whose members are residing in Sultan Sa Barongis have been involved in recurring fighting encounters in the area.

“It has affected mostly our local residents who are just longing to maintain peace and order here,” said the mayor.

Through the years, Mayor Angas said the LGU has been actively involved inaddressing domestic peace and security issues through dialogues and peaceful means.

“We hope that both sides would agree to settle the dispute as we go further with the talks with the support of government troops and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” said Mayor Angas.

Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion, said the two parties should finally putan end to their dispute or else “the Army would be forced to take full action to stop the conflicts.”

"When there are conflicts like this, the directly affected are the innocent civilians. We will stand by all means to protect the welfare of these civilians who become helpless victims. In this regard, we would like to encourageboth sides to finally settle their conflicts,” said Catu.

Angas lauded the participation of Lt. Col. Catu, who, he said, is very committed to stabilize peace and order in Sultan SaBarongis. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)