COTABATO CITY – Lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Parliament have introduced a bill to prevent the term “rido” from being applied to minor disputes, emphasizing its proper use for serious clan conflicts and regulating how local conflicts are categorized in the region.
Historically, “rido” refers to violent, prolonged clan feuds that often result in loss of life, property damage, or displacement.
Mohammad Kelie Antao and Suharto Ambolodto, principal authors of the bill, noted that the term has increasingly been used for minor disagreements, creating confusion and misdirecting resources meant for serious conflicts. They said this misuse undermines peacebuilding efforts and distorts public perception of local security issues.
The Responsible Conflict Characterization Act seeks to establish clear and culturally sensitive criteria for categorizing local conflicts in BARMM, prohibit the use of the term “rido” for disputes that do not meet the definition of violent clan feuds, and encourage accurate conflict documentation and reporting to support effective peace and development initiatives.
The bill aims to improve peacebuilding efforts, ensure proper use of resources, and preserve the integrity of cultural terminology.
It also aligns with the goal of promoting a more stable and secure environment where communities can address minor disputes through appropriate, non-violent, and locally grounded mechanisms.
The bill also requires that media, officials, and communities use the term correctly. Violators could face fines ranging from P10,000 to P100,000, public apologies, or 32 hours of community service.
A six-month awareness campaign will be led by the Ministry of Public Order and Safety, in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, to educate communities and officials on proper conflict classification and cultural sensitivity.
Lawmakers said the bill will strengthen peacebuilding, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure minor disputes are resolved through local, non-violent mechanisms, fostering a more stable and secure BARMM. The bill was introduced for first reading and is co-authored by Suwaib Oranon, Tawakal Midtimbang, Mudjib Abu, and Butch Malang. (PR)
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