Accra:Sulu Two feuding clans from the towns of Panglima Estino and Talipao in Sulu province have signed a peace covenant, officially ending their longstanding conflict.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Sulu provincial government announced that 14 members and leaders from Barangay Gata-Gata in Panglima Estino and Barangay Kulamboh in Talipao signed the agreement. They pledged to forgive past grievances and work together towards peace, reconciliation, unity, and harmony.

The signatories from Barangay Gata-Gata, Panglima Estino included Jun Aldam, Rizal Amman, Alih Aldam, Benmajar Aldam, Akdam Samuddin, Muner Arabah, Juben Penhar, and Pinhar Enggal. Meanwhile, the signatories from Kulamboh, Talipao were Uddin Pala, Hannibal Uddin, Aldimar Uddin, Almujar Estino Jana, Albasher Estino, and Muharibil Abdulhasan.

In their joint declaration, both parties acknowledged that their prolonged conflict had led to misunderstandings and that continued fighting would not produce any productive results. They agreed to accept each other as brothers, set aside their differences, and uphold the covenant, invoking Almighty Allah as a witness to their commitment.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II, who facilitated the settlement, expressed gratitude to both families for their reconciliation and urged them to protect their shared homeland, known locally as Lupah Sug, and to work together for the community's welfare. He encouraged unity and mutual support among the families, emphasizing the importance of setting aside grudges to recognize their familial ties.

Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan also appealed to the former rival groups to maintain peace and guide their children toward education, which he described as one of the most valuable legacies for the next generation.

The ceremony concluded with handshakes and exchanges of forgiveness between the previously opposing groups, witnessed by the governor, vice governor, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, local officials, and community elders.