TWO families of influential politicians from the provinces of Basilan and Sulu have ended their 26-year conflict by signing a peace agreement, opening the door to increased cooperation, mutual respect and long-term peace, the military said on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

The 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) said the peace agreement was signed in a well-attended ceremony by the leaders of the two warring families – former mayor Wahid Sahidulla of Banguingui, Sulu and vice mayor Isnirul Ahalul of Tabuan Lasa, Basilan.

The signing of the peace treaty took place on Saturday, September 21 at Bukut Umus village, Tabuan Lasa.

101Bde said the Peace League is anchored on the theme “Pag Hambuuk, Pag Saumbibi, Pag Kasilasa Sin Hula Tabuan lasa iban Banguingui” (Unity, cooperation and love between Tabuan Lasa and Banguingui).

“The signing of the agreement highlighted the commitment of both municipalities to a future of peace and cooperation, ensuring the development and stability of their communities across provincial borders,” the 101Bde said in a statement.

101Bde said both Sahidulla and Ahalul reflected on the past and acknowledged the pain and loss caused by their long-running dispute. Their dispute arose in 1998.

They expressed a deep commitment to peace and cooperation going forward, acknowledging the incident as a turning point in their families’ history, according to the 101Bde.

Whidzfar Sahidulla, son of Wahid, is the current of Banguingui, as well as Tabuan Lasa, an island town in Sulu.

He expressed gratitude to all involved and reiterated his commitment to ensure that the lessons of this reconciliation remain.

During the signing of the peace agreement, 101Bde said Basilan Provincial Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman shared a message that emphasized the critical role of peace in the development of both Basilan and Sulu provinces.

Salliman recognized the importance of ending long-standing conflicts and promoting unity for future generations.

Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101Bde, commended the leaders of both municipalities for their courage to move past their differences, stressing that peace solutions are not limited to inter-municipalities but also inter-provincial and inter-regional.

“As in the military, we advocate unity, love and respect through a culture of dialogue and understanding,” Luzon said

Police Colonel Cerrazid Umabong, Basilan police chief, pledged the continued support of law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order in the province.

101Bde said the key witnesses from both families and local authorities joined the signing and offered their support for the renewed alliance. (SunStar Zamboanga)