The Iranun Development Council (IDC) successfully convened the PEACE Summit: Toward Adopting a Common Framework on Rido Settlement and Other Anti-Crime Programs on 15 September 2025 at the Probinsyano Farm Resort, Barangay Aratuc, Municipality of Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte. The summit brought together the chief executives of IDC member-municipalities, Sangguniang Bayan members and staff, barangay leaders, representatives from the provincial government, units of the AFP and PNP, judicial representatives, BARMM officials, women’s organizations, ulamas, sultans, media, and NGO partners to reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable peace and security in the Iranun areas.

The program opened with a warm welcome message from Hon. Pahmia A. Manalao, Mayor of Buldon, which proudly served as the host municipality of the summit under her leadership together with Vice Mayor Hon. Abolais Manalao. The program rationale was delivered by Saipona Zaman, IDC Executive Director, followed by a message of commitment from Hon. Cahar P. Ibay, IDC Chairperson and Mayor of Parang.

Testimonies on rido settlement were shared through a video presentation, giving voice to families and communities who endured conflict yet chose the path of reconciliation. Adding a deeper, personal dimension, Hon. Zohria S. Bansil-Guro, Mayor of Matanog, and Hon. Abdul Rauf D. Tomawis, Mayor of Barira, also shared their own experiences on rido. The program also featured a cultural performance, the signing of resolutions, and the Pledge of Commitment to support the forthcoming IDC Guidelines on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Anti-Crime Programs.

Messages of support were extended by peace and security partners, including PCOL Armando Muena, Chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, representing PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO BAR; BGEN Larry C. Battala PN (M), Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, representing MGEN Donald M. Gumiran PA, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division; Datu Marshall I. Sinsuat, Vice Governor of Maguindanao del Norte, representing Hon. Datu Tucao O. Mastura, CPA, Provincial Governor of Maguindanao del Norte; and Atty. Benedicto R. Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG).

Through this summit, the IDC strengthened its resolve to institutionalize peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms and build a common framework that harmonizes customary practices with formal legal processes, reinforced by the support of law enforcement agencies to ensure sustainability—moving one step closer to a future of peace, justice, and sustainable development for the Iranun communities and beyond.

This summit was made possible through the efforts of the IDC Secretariat and the IAG project team, with funding support from IDC member-municipalities—Buldon, Barira, Matanog, and Parang—and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).