Leaders of the enemy Ballaho and Dulla clans in Lamitan City in Basilan reconciled on Monday, August 3, 2026, through the efforts of local executives, the police and military. (Contributed Photo/John Unson)
COTABATO CITY โ Two feuding clans in Lamitan City, Basilan, have signed a peace covenant brokered by local officials, ending a long-running conflict that authorities said had disrupted communities and stalled development in affected villages.
Leaders of the Ballaho and Dulla clans signed the agreement Monday, Aug. 3. Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, and units of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region facilitated the signing.
The reconciliation aims to close a turbulent chapter in Lamitan City, ending years of disruption that slowed progress and strained public safety. Officials say the pact bolsters Basilanโs push for lasting peace and stability through united action by government, security forces, and local communities.
Capt. Steffie P. Salanguit, spokesperson for PRO-BAR, said Tuesday that representatives of the two clans formalized the agreement during a symbolic peace ceremony in Barangay Balas.
Members of the Ballaho and Dulla clans shook hands and embraced after signing the written covenant before local government officials, military and police leaders, and traditional Yakan, Tausug, Sama and Christian community leaders. Hataman and Furigay also signed the document as witnesses.
Furigay thanked both clans for accepting the government’s appeal to reconcile. “We are glad that they agreed to bury the hatchet for good and thrive in peace again,” he said.
Salanguit said the Lamitan city government, the provincial government, police and military units will continue working together to restore normalcy in communities affected by the feud and prevent further violence.
Hataman said sustaining peace in Basilan requires cooperation across sectors and communities. “Religious and cultural cohesion and multisectoral unity are essential in sustaining the peace now spreading across Basilan,” he said.
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