traditional ways of conflict resolution and transformation
TRANSCRIPT
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?