LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The longstanding feud between two prominent clans in Tuburan town in this province has finally ended during the settlement held at a military camp here.
The families of Durie Kallahal, Mayor-elect of Tuburan town and Retired Colonel Abduraman Jhovel and Abdullah Jhovel, two prominent clans, once involved in a rido (clan conflict), officially embraced peace in a ceremony facilitated by the military through the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Serapion Lagud Jr., commanding officer of the 18th IB, expressed his gratitude and spiritual reflection during the ceremony.
“Ating bibigyang papuri at paggalang ang ating Panginoon na Siyang nagiging dahilan, ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit andito tayo ngayon. Kung hindi dahil sa ating Panginoong Diyos hindi nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang ating mga lider na bigyang pagkakataon na mapag-ayos ang pamilya Kallahal at pamilya Jhovel,” he said.
(We give praise and respect to our Lord, who made this moment possible. Without Him, reconciliation between the Kallahal and Jhovel families would not have been possible.)
Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, highlighted the importance of patience and understanding, quoting former United States President Ronald Reagan’s statement, “Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is handling conflict in a peaceful manner.”
“Sa wakas natuloy na rin itong ating hinihintay na event. Sa totoo lang, kung paiiralin natin ‘yong other side ng ating pag-iisip na nagtatampo na tayo, ayaw na natin tong gawin. Siguro hindi ito matutuloy. But dahil sa pag-iisip natin ng mahinahon, pag-iisip natin ng pagkakaunawaan natuloy talaga ito,” he stressed.
According to the report, which is also stated in the agreement, the conflict between Durie Kallahal, former Mayor of Tuburan, Basilan and Abdulla Jhovel, commander of the Alpha Company of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), traced back in 2016 when repeated bombings and explosions in Brangay Dugaa, Tuburan town alarmed the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion (3SRB), stationed in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City.
In response to this, 3SRB requested assistance from the local government unit of Tuburan, together with Durie Kallahal to speak with Abdulla Jhovel.
However, a gunfight ensued, killing two (2) of Kallahal’s security personnel. The escalation led to clashes involving security forces and members of the clans, resulting in casualties and deep-seated animosity.
Attempts at negotiation initially faltered, but persistent efforts by the military and local authorities eventually paved the way for reconciliation.
As a testament to their resolve, members of both clans voluntarily surrendered their firearms during the ceremony – an act symbolizing their commitment to ending violence.
The clans also signed a collective pledge to promote sustainable peace and development in their communities.
Stakeholders present including representatives of government offices and non-government organizations, local government officials and community leaders who witnessed the settlement hope that the peace agreement marked a turning point for the families and the wider community for unity and a shared commitment to progress.
The families and other members of the community are also happy, underscoring that even amidst long-standing conflicts, hope and reconciliation are possible when guided by faith, leadership and a collective will to peace and progress. (Nilda Delos Reyes)
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