Manila: The Philippine Army's 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde) has successfully facilitated the peaceful resolution of a land dispute between a family of an elected government official and a farmer in Sulu, the military said Friday. The settlement ceremony was held on Thursday at the headquarters of the Army's 21st Infantry Battalion's (IB) Bravo Company in Barangay Tiptipon, Panglima Estino, Sulu.

According to Philippines News Agency, the leaders of the feuding groups were Al-Quazar Alhari Basaluddin, whose family is involved in farming in Sitio Kandangan, Barangay Kan-ukol, Panamao, and Hadja Jimbra Ammar, barangay chairperson of Kami Pungod, Panglima Estino. The 21st IB, under the 1102Bde, facilitated the resolution.

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, 1102Bde commander, stated that the settlement demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders unite, guided by respect, dialogue, and a shared vision of peace. He emphasized that peace involves justice, trust, and understanding among people.

He noted that the land dispute began on Aug. 21, 2024, when Basaluddin shot at Ammar, though Ammar was unharmed. The incident led to deep-rooted animosity between the two families. Thursday's amicable settlement effectively closed the chapter on their dispute, paving the way for renewed harmony between their families and communities.