In Mamasapano town, Maguindanao del Sur, what began as an armed conflict ended in an unexpected union between two families. On Friday at noon, a gunfight broke out in Sitio Szopad, Barangay Sapakan, after the 15-year-old daughter of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighter fled with her 21-year-old boyfriend.

The clash was between the faction led by Sukor Guiamalon, affiliated with the 106th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces—the MILF’s armed wing—and the group led by Mohamad Tatak, the village chair of Sapakan.

According to Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, the shooting began when Guiamalon discovered his daughter had eloped with Tatak’s brother. However, the hostilities subsided by 3 p.m., following intervention from the 33rd Infantry Battalion.

In a remarkable turn of events, both parties agreed to resolve the dispute through a wedding ceremony scheduled for Saturday, with Mamasapano Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan serving as the principal sponsor.

This peaceful resolution highlights the efforts of the Philippine Army in mediating conflicts and fostering reconciliation among local communities.