Traditional Ways of Conflict Transformation in Mindanao:

Iranun of Maguindanao Experience Presentation for the UIC Davao students, September 23, 2015.

Mussolini Sinsuat LidasanExecutive Director, Al Qalam Institute

IntroductionThis presentation aims to discuss briefly the following:

Description of the Islamized IPs, particularly the Iranun’s conflict resolution methods and practices;

Types of conflict and the existing Conflict resolution practices

Role of women in conflict resolution and transformationSuccess StoriesIn relation to the over all peace process.

Brief Description of Conflict Resolution

Types of ConflictTraditional

Conflict Resolution Mechanism

LGU/LA mechanisms

“murder/homicide due to rido”

Intervention of Council of elders/“Pat-a-Migkaka”

Arbitration/courts

Qur’an Hadith Qiyas Ijma

Common Causes of Conflict

“tarnished / damaged

maratabat”

Conflict and Resolution MechanismCommon Root Cause of

ConflictMaratabat: it is commonly

described as the "pride" or "ego" of the person, family, clan, or community. However, "maratabat's" old meaning and significance refers to the integrity or honor of the person or his/her family, clan and community.

Conflict Resolution Mechanism

The Pat-a-Migkaka (Council of Elders) - Amay Dumpaw. The Pat-a-Migkaka has the following roles: leads the Iranun communities, handles and resolves conflict, settles family relations (marriages, divorce, distribution of inheritance), traces nobility or royalty, authority to enthrone.

Sources of indigenous laws: Taritib: it means the "ordinance".

Religious sources: Al Qur'an. Hadith, Sunnah, and Ijma (consensus)

Types of Conflict and Resolution Mechanism

ConflictElection related violence

Resolution MechanismThe Council of Elders facilitate on

the initial discussions for reconciliation. Once the ground work is done,the CE calls for a “Kanduli”. At some instances, “kapembanguna” or “blood money is involved to resolve the conflict

Types of Conflict and Resolution Mechanism

ConflictLand conflict

Resolution MechanismThis conflict is resolved by

retaining the natural boundaries. Settlement is done by the elders and the CE. Assistance from the government and line agencies.

Types of Conflict and Resolution Mechanism

ConflictFamily relations

issue on inheritance marital problems

Elopement Homicide/murder

distribution of wealth

Resolution MechanismThese conflicts are commonly

settled by the elders of the family, clan, or the community.

On marital problems:

Council of elders facilitates if parties agree.

Types of Conflict and Resolution Mechanism

ConflictClaim for nobility matters

Domestic crimes and problem of law and enforcement

Resolution MechanismOne of the major roles of the CE

or “Pat-a-Migkaka”

Existing mechanisms

Role of WomenWomen play an important role in the conflict resolution process.

However, there are also instances that they are the cause of conflict.

Women’s nature as trustworthy and “mother-like” figure in the community is also a big factor why women can help in addressing conflict.

Take the case of the women’s role in the GPH – MILF peace process.

General Description of Traditional Proceedings

Raising the issue or complaint to

the Pat-a-Migkaka / CE

Discussion and consultation to

both parties (done separately)

Independent process of

investigation of the CE

If successful, a kanduli is conducted

If not successful, parties are given a time to “cool

off”, respondent/s is

ordered to transfer to

another place

SUCCESS STORIES:ENDING RIDO

Localized Conflicts

Usually involves feuding families

Has historical precedence With cultural and political dimensions

Commonly referred as Rido

Characterized by violent retaliatory attacks between feuding families

Kinship and political connections used to mobilized militias controlled by State forces, politicians and rebel groups

Rido is the underside of a wider Government-Rebel Conflicts

Rido (Clan Feud)Thousands of people had been killed for many decades nowMany livelihood opportunities of the rido-affected

communities were limited and even restrictedResulted to destruction of property

Family 2

Family 1

Family 3

MILF Local Command

Politician

Tracing the Interplay of Large Scale and Community-Level Conflicts

Armed Forces

CAFGU/CVO

MNLF Local Command

Rido’s ResolvedThrough the efforts of Government and Non-Government

Offices, many rido cases had been settled in the areas of Maguindanao

It usually need the help of wide multi sectoral body to address this problem.

Case Studies

Imam-Macapeges RidoBackground:

Parties involved are relatives. However, the heads of the families in both clan run for mayor in the ele ction in 2001. It strained their relationships that brought to rido.

nine relatives and two bystanders have been killed and 13 others injured  during the “rido” (clan feud) between the Macapeges and Imam families.

Intervention:Council of Elders from different clans assisted in addressing the

conflict.

Imam-Macapeges Resolution

When: January 30, 2008

Malambut,Cudading – Madi,Cawi,Macauyag RidoWarring Iranun clans in the towns of Buldon and

Barira ended 40 years of rido and signed a covenant to settle disputes

Cause of the rido was a case of mistaken identity

Multi sectoral group, NGOs, and CEs assisted settling the conflict.

Malambut – Madi, Cawi, Macauyag

When: September 2015.

References:Read more: 

http://www.mindanews.com/c3-news/2008/01/30/2-clans-in-matanog-settle-rido-sign-peace-pact/

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/535838/news/regions/warring-iranun-clans-sign-covenant-to-end-40-year-rido

Al Qalam Series of FGDs in 2013Tasbikka Reports, 2014.

TWO DIMENSIONS OF THE PEACE PROCESS

Verti

cal D

imen

sion

GPH

MILF

*Political Solution

Horizontal Dimension

• Muslim Community• Christian Community• IPs• Philippine Nation

*Long Term Solution

Thank you!Questions?