BULDON, Maguindanao del Norte — The Iranun Development Council (IDC) convened the PEACE Summit: Toward Adopting a Common Framework on Rido Settlement and Other Anti-Crime Programs on September 15, 2025, at the Probinsyano Farm Resort in Barangay Aratuc, bringing together key stakeholders in support of sustained peace and security in the Iranun areas.
The summit gathered chief executives of IDC member-municipalities, Sangguniang Bayan members and staff, barangay officials, representatives from the provincial government, personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), judicial representatives, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials, women’s organizations, ulama, sultans, media practitioners, and non-government organization partners.
In her welcome remarks, Buldon Mayor Pahmia A. Manalao, the host local chief executive, underscored the importance of collective action in addressing local conflicts. IDC Executive Director Saipona Zaman presented the program rationale, followed by a message of commitment from IDC Chairperson and Parang Mayor Cahar P. Ibay.
A video presentation highlighted testimonies on rido settlement, featuring accounts of families and communities affected by clan conflicts who chose reconciliation over continued hostilities. Personal reflections on rido experiences were also shared by Matanog Mayor Zohria S. Bansil-Guro and Barira Mayor Abdul Rauf D. Tomawis.
The program also featured a cultural presentation, the signing of resolutions, and the signing of a pledge of commitment in support of the forthcoming IDC Guidelines on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and anti-crime programs.
Messages of support were delivered by key peace and security partners, including PCOL Armando Muena of the Police Regional Office BAR, representing PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman; BGEN Larry C. Battala PN (M) of the 1st Marine Brigade, representing MGEN Donald M. Gumiran of the 6th Infantry Division; Datu Marshall I. Sinsuat, Vice Governor of Maguindanao del Norte, representing Governor Datu Tucao O. Mastura; and Atty. Benedicto R. Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG).
The summit underscored the IDC’s continuing efforts to institutionalize peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms by developing a common framework that integrates customary practices with formal legal systems, supported by law enforcement agencies to ensure long-term implementation.
Organizers said the initiative aims to advance sustainable peace, justice, and development across Iranun communities and surrounding areas.
The activity was led by the IDC Secretariat and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), with funding support from IDC member-municipalities—Buldon, Barira, Matanog, and Parang—and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
