SSB unifies warring families

SETTLEMENT --- Warring families of MaratoPilmen (left) and JaypeeEmran (center) shakes hands as they finally end their feud during a gathering last May 18 at the Sultan Sa Barongis gymnasium with their mediator Mayor RamdatuAngas.(ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS (SSB) --- This local government unit under the guidance of Mayor Ramdatu Angas has mediated the settlement of a long standing conflict between the families of Marato Pilmen and Jaypee Emran.

In a gathering last May 18 held at the municipal gymnasium in Poblacion Barurao with the presence of municipal and barangay officials, representatives from both families, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army, Mayor Angas said the warring families 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 in addressing domestic peace and security issues through dialogues and peaceful means.

“This is truly a breakthrough,” said Mayor Angas.

Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion, said they are relieved that two warring parties have finally put an end to their dispute.

"During conflicts, the ones directly affected are the innocent civilians. We will stand by all means to protect the welfare of these civilians who become helpless victims,” said Catu.

Angas lauded the participation of Lt. Col. Catu, who, he said, is very committed to stabilize peace and order in Sultan Sa Barongis.

Further, a Youth Leadership Summit was held last May 14 in this town.

Mayor Angas said at least 32 youths participated in the two-day activity.

“They were trained in pro-active leadership and disaster risk reduction and management. Also discussed with them was on dangerous drugs awareness. They also did community service (clean-up drive) in support to environmental protection and rehabilitation,” Mayor Angas said.

In another development, Mayor Angas their local government was also visited recently by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“This is in accordance to the Seal of Good Local Governance. It only justifies all of our efforts in Sultan Sa Barongis,” said Mayor Angas. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)