Basilan: The warring clans involved in the Oct. 28 fighting in Tipo-Tipo town in this province signed a peace pact on Friday, committing to the immediate cessation of violence, retaliation, and armed confrontation in the municipality and surrounding areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, the peace pact signing took place at the provincial capitol in this city in the presence of top government, military, and police officials, as well as leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and members of the Ulama Council.

The signatories of the peace pact are Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun Istarul and Jamil Lintaran, chairperson of Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper of the first party, and of the second party by Ustadz Tarahin Isnain and Ustadz Ansud Tarahin, both members of the MILF based in Barangay Baguindan of the town. Both parties agreed that 'no person, group, or organization shall engage in actions that may provoke or rekindle the conflict.'

Likewise, the parties agreed to fully cooperate with the police, military, and local government in maintaining peace and order in Tipo-Tipo. Violence erupted on Oct. 28 when residents and members of the Tipo-Tipo Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) resisted as about 200 gunmen, including members of the MILF and lawless groups, stormed Barangay Tipo-Tipo.

The conflict stemmed from the killing of Ustadz Nadzri Tarahin, an Islamic teacher and village councilor in Baguindan, on Oct. 21 at the bus terminal in this city. Tarahin's father and brother are MILF members who believe the perpetrators are members of the BPAT and that the getaway vehicle used by the suspects in the killing was allegedly owned by the village chief of Tipo-Tipo proper.

The incident caused the displacement of some 12,000 residents who fled to safe grounds for fear of their safety. Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said Tarahin's father and brother agreed to let the law take its course in solving the killing of Tarahin.

Col. Cerrazid Umabong, provincial police director, said they have already enlisted the help of the police's anti-cybercrime group to assist with the investigation. Rajan Abdurahim, MILF's 114th deputy base commander, said the involvement of some MILF members in the conflict was not sanctioned by the leadership of the organization.

Istarul stated during the settlement ceremony that he will initiate a peace summit in Tipo-Tipo with the support of the provincial government, military, and police to achieve lasting peace in the town. A peace monitoring and reconciliation committee will also be formed to meet regularly, assess compliance with the peace agreement, mediate disputes as they arise, and suggest measures to sustain peace. The committee will include members from the police, military, religious leaders, traditional elders, and community representatives.