Decades long family and clan feuds, or rido, persist in the verdant, lush provinces of Mindanao. The scope of killed and wounded is devastating and scarring for these tight-knit communities, and the impacts reverberate back to Manila, creating national ripple effects of instability. But last year, with assistance from our Philippines staff and The Asia Foundation's Conflict Management program, a local, grassroots network of mediators, government officials, police and military officers, and community members resolved a storied, six-year long dispute between the Imam and Macapeges clans. Using context-specific approaches acceptable within local communities, we helped negotiate a peace covenant that included government support for family and community members affected by the conflict. Now, a sense of calm and stability cradles the community. "I sleep in peace and travel in peace," says Mayor Nasser Imam of Matanog town, leader of the Imam clan. "I am no longer afraid." Ustadz Kaher Macapeges says: "It was not easy, but we have come to realize that this is the best legacy we can give our children."
Philippines
In the Philippines, we work with government, local non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to strengthen democratic institutions and create sustainable economic growth. Our focus includes free and fair elections, economic reform, anti-trafficking in persons, countering corruption, bolstering local government, strengthening the protection of human rights, and addressing the causes of conflict, particularly in Mindanao. See more about our work in clan conflict (rido).