Tawi-Tawi clan war resolved

COTABATO CITY: A bloody clan war that began in 2013 in Tawi-Tawi has been settled on Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), in a statement on Tuesday said the clan war between the families Erwing and Omar has finally been resolved with the help of the AFP’s 2nd Marine Brigade and local government officials.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan Jr. said the Erwing and Omar clans had been clashing since 2013 which resulted in numerous encounters and the death of Bolar Hadji Omar.

After a series of negotiations spearheaded by Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael Sali, former South Ubian Mayor Mustapha Omar and members of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, the warring clans agreed to settle their dispute.

During the signing of the deed of agreement, Almasi Inggo Erwing of Lahad Dampong, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi represented the Erwing clan while Mabini Hadji Omar and Sangkula Hadji Omar of Naungan, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi represented the Omar family.

They signed the agreement in the presence of Gov. Sali, other local government officials, police and military officers, local leaders and respected elders.

“This settlement exemplifies that life is always better if we see what’s ahead than look at what’s left behind. It is more rewarding to forget the bad pasts — bitterness, grudges, hatred, and pain; and move forward to enjoy another beautiful morning,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

Both parties pledged to abide by the terms and conditions stated in the agreement.

“We are happy they finally decided to live peacefully as Muslim brothers and sisters. They made a great decision not only for themselves but for their younger generations,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan Jr.