Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-qhM
COTABATO CITY — The political feud between the Tomawis and Ibay Clans of Bangsa Iranun has officially ended after the Bangsamoro Government, in collaboration with key Maguindanao local chief executives, ministries, and the security sector, facilitated a series of reconciliation efforts between the two.
The reconciliation efforts concluded on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the Office of the Chief Minister, Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Cotabato City, with key officials and members of both families in attendance, led by former Mayor Barok Tomawis for the Tomawis Clan and former Mayor Dr. Ibrahim Ibay for the Ibay Clan.
According to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, the reconciliation was mutually desired by both parties and was mediated by the Bangsamoro Government.
“Alam natin lahat na itong reconciliation ay walang kondisyon, walang hiniling ang pamilya Ibay at walang hiniling ang pamilya Tomawis. We are very happy na they have now finally decided to come together,” Ebrahim said, emphasizing that both families were always allies prior to their political feud, particularly in promoting a united front of the Bangsa Iranun.
“Our body is one. Dahil we are all one body, kasama tayo na nararamdaman natin na i-settle ang hindi pagkakaunawaan,” he continued, quoting a Hadith (Saying) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the brotherhood of the Ummah. “If there is a dispute, even though we are not directly involved, we will still resolve it because we are all one body.”
With regard to this particular unity, BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua emphasized that “one of the major advocacies of BARMM is moral governance,” adding that “looking at this particular unity, the general principle given by Allah (SWT) is that all Muslims are brothers and sisters.” Dahil lang sa pulitika at sa posisyon, ‘Yung Prinsipyong ‘yun ay hindi pwedeng masira.
Towards peace and development through a United Bangsamoro
In order to speed up development activities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the head of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), Minister Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo, noted that resolving political and security disputes in the Bangsamoro is an essential first step. This specific occurrence is a significant step, especially given that Camp Abubakar As-Siddique of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is located in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, and is one of the camps undergoing camp transformation as part of the Bangsamoro peace process’ Normalization Track.
“This (reconciliation) is a very significant occasion, not just for Maguindanao but also for the Regional Government… Our goal is to promote development, but we are unwilling to do it in places where there is violence. Sinarimbo stated, “Problema ang pagpasok ng development hanggat mayroong gulo.”
The Chief Minister also emphasized that through a holistic approach, reconciliation efforts are part of the Bangsamoro Government’s major priority programs.
“This is part of our major program at the BARMM. We would like to inform everyone that this is a major policy of the BARMM Government, ang paghanap ng paraan para magkaroon ng tunay na pagkakaisa…Hindi ito tribal, holistic ang approach natin na gusto natin magkaisa ang lahat. The election is a factor that divides people. Ang gusto natin, hindi dapat maging dahilan ang eleksyon. That is the kind of future we want to cultivate in the BARMM,” the Chief Minister said.
The common message shared by Dr. Ibay and Former Mayor Tomawis that motivated them to eventually put an end to the conflict between respective clans was “sustainable peace and development.”
“Lahat naman po tayo ay Lingkod Bayan, gusto natin na mapabilis ang development sa BARMM. “Kailangan magkaisa ang mga leaders para umusad ang development…ang aming pamilya ay nalikiisa sa kapayapaan at development…sayang ang ibinigay ng National Government para sa Bangsamoro if hindi magkaisa ang mga leaders,” Tomawis said.
Ibay, for his part, said, “Sincere ang pagpunta namin dito at lubos ang aming pasasalamat para sa mga taong tumulong para sa pagkakaisa ng aming mga pamilya…itong Ibay at Tomawis ay dating iisa, nagsimula ang aming career sa pulitika dahil iisa lang kami, nagtutulungan kami…itong pagkakaisa namin ay para sa development. “Ang naiipit at nahihirapan ang supporters, dapat lang magkaisa kami para umunlad.”
Sinarimbo also recognizes the pivotal roles performed by Mayor Marcial Sinsuat of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) and Mayor Zulficar “Doc Bong” Panda of Sultan Mastura for the Tomawis side and the Ibay clan, respectively.
Other Maguindanao del Norte local chief executives, including former congresswoman Bai Sandra, were present during the historic reconciliation event, including Parang Mayor Cahar P Ibay, Upi Mayor Ma. Rona Cristina Flores, Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Datu Umbra B Dilangalen, Matanog Mayor Zohria Bansil-Guro, Matanog Vice Mayor Sanaira I. Ali, DBS Vice Mayor Raida Tomawis Sinsuat, Parang Vice Mayor Adnan C. Biruar, and members of the Board of the Province of Maguindanao.
Parties from the security sector were present, led by 6ID (Infantry Division) Commander Maj. Gen. Alex Santos Rillera, Philippine Army (PA), 1st Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eric A. Macaambac Philippine Navy (PN M), and BARMM Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (BARMM-MBHTE), as well as Deputy Minister Abdulkudos Balitok from the Bangsamoro Government.
The series of reconciliation talks for the two families began early last year and was officially concluded on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister and MILF Chairman Ebrahim. (/)