FEUD SETTLEMENT. Bro Abid of the MILF 105th Base Command and Samad Simpal of MILF 118th Base Command (both standing center) hug as a gesture of peace after a dialogue to end their long-standing feud in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on Wednesday (Oct. 7, 2026). The feud settlement followed two weeks of clashes in the villages of Malingao and Lapok in the town. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak LGU)
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – Police, military and local officials have helped settle a long-running feud between two Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups in Shariff Aguak after weeks of clashes that displaced around 100 families and left a child dead.
Maguindanao del Sur police director Col. John Michael Mangahis said Thursday that authorities initiated a dialogue on Wednesday involving representatives of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the Philippine Army and the local government.
The peace talks aimed to end the “rido” or family feud, prevent further armed encounters and establish a more lasting settlement between the rival groups.
“The long-standing rivalry between the two groups had escalated into armed confrontations,” Mangahis said.
Sporadic clashes in Barangays Malingao and Lapok over the past two weeks forced around 100 families to evacuate. A child was killed by a stray bullet, while another civilian was wounded.
Mangahis credited Bro Abid of the MILF 105th Base Command and Samad Simpal of the MILF 118th Base Command for supporting the peace effort.
Authorities urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint, avoid retaliation and resolve future disputes through peaceful and lawful means.
Anwar Emblawa, executive assistant to Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan, said the municipal government is attending to the needs of displaced residents and has provided financial assistance to the families of the slain and wounded civilians.
“Mayor Mitra Ampatuan is actively supporting all peace efforts because the beneficiaries of this program are his constituents who have longed for peace,” Emblawa said.
He added that sustained cooperation among the local government, security forces and peace partners is crucial to preventing renewed violence and maintaining stability in the town.
Meanwhile, five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters Karialan faction surrendered to authorities in Shariff Aguak on Wednesday.
Shariff Aguak police chief Maj. Joel Lebrilla said the surrenderers turned over two rocket-propelled grenades and expressed their desire to abandon the armed struggle and return to normal life with their families.
