Bunawan — -Manobo clans in Agusan del Sur signed a peace pact last Oct. 8 at Barangay Consuelo after 15 years of conflict.

They had differences on how to manage 16,363 hectares of ancestral lands where the world’s biggest crocodile Lolong was found.

At the center of controversy are the clans of Cabriadas and Oliver, holders of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title 136.

Before signing the peace agreement witnessed by local government officials from the province and Bunawan town, the parties held Tampuda, a ritual sacrifice of animals.

Clan leaders Hawodon Macapo-o II Gerry Cabriadas and Hawodon Hagnaya II Michael Oliver embraced one another as a sign of peace as Agusan del Sur capitol officials led by Board Member Gilbert Elorde joined Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde and Consuelo Barangay Chairman Gregorio Maloloy-on in their speeches proclaiming the start of mutual cooperation.

The officials vowed to help sustain the tribal domain’s land for agriculture along with in mineral resources such as gold, copper and others.

“Never again, we, Manobo brothers and sisters fight each other, starting today, we bury the past and together we start our journey and face the challenges in our continuing search for brighter future of our generations with peace in our hearts and minds. The battle is half won, the battle against poverty and against our very own self that hound us for decades has just begun” said the clansmen in their dialect. - Alvin T. Guanzon, Manila Standard Today