Another ‘rido’ settled in Maguindanao

BULUAN, Maguindanao – Civilian and military officials have settled another family feud, or “rido”, in this province, which involved the reigning political clans in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Peace brokers and other witnesses reportedly shed “tears of joy” as members of the warring Sindatuk and Dimaukom families exchanged hugs and handshakes after their leaders inked a peace covenant on Monday to end their bloody rido that had claimed lives and displaced villagers for two years.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, presided over the solemn rites at the conference hall of the governor’s office in this capital town amid tight security meant to thwart possible provocative acts.

According to data gathered at the ceremony, the rido began when Datu Saudi town Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom was killed with his 10 escorts in an alleged “shootout” with police elements at a checkpoint in Makilala, North Cotabato on Oct. 28, 2016.

The slain mayor’s wife Bai Anida succeeded him as town chief executive by operation of law as she was the then elected vice mayor of the town.

Anida’s vice mayoral post was assumed by Anwar Sindatuk, being the top town councilor elected.

A month after the October 2016 incident, suspected followers of the Dimaukom clan shot dead Vice Mayor Sindatuk on suspicion of spreading rumors allegedly purporting the late mayor’s involvement in illegal drug trade.

Policemen manning the checkpoint found no illegal drugs from the mayor’s group after the reported “shootout”.

Vendetta killings have since erupted between the two families, displacing hundreds of villagers in sporadic fighting, according to sources from some quarters including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

At Monday’s ceremony, the warring families represented by Datu Dhen Dimaukom and Datu Resty Sindatuk agreed the Sindatuks will withdraw a criminal complaint lodged in court against Bai Anida in consideration of 11million in “blood money” to be paid in installment every 15th of the month.

It was also agreed that the criminal suit will remain in force against other suspects in Vice Mayor Sindatuk’s killing. (Ali G. Macabalang)