Basilan Declared Abu Sayyaf Group-Free Province
The province of Basilan in Mindanao has officially been declared free from the influence and presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), marking a historic turnaround for this once troubled region. On Monday, June 9, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) announced Basilan as an “ASG-free” province during a ceremony held in Lamitan City.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., together with Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., led the declaration. Galvez described the event as a major milestone, transforming Basilan from a place marred by violence and unrest into a symbol of peace and hope.
“The declaration of Basilan as free from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) marks a turning point for the province — from a place once tainted by bloodshed to one filled with peace,” Galvez said.
Relentless Military Action and Community Efforts
The journey to declare Basilan free from the Abu Sayyaf Group was shaped by persistent military operations and community-driven peacebuilding initiatives. Basilan was once notorious as a stronghold for the extremist group known for kidnappings and violent raids. However, these combined efforts gradually weakened the ASG’s grip on the province.
Galvez, who previously commanded the 104th Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Basilan, shared his firsthand experiences confronting the ASG threat. “I witnessed a period of immense suffering in the province. Conflict was at an all-time high and Basilan was bleeding. My assignment there was one of the toughest in my military career. Amidst the hardship and challenges, I saw the profound willingness of the people to put an end to the violence,” he recalled.
Socio-Economic Programs Fueling Lasting Peace
As the Presidential Peace Adviser, Galvez emphasized that military force alone cannot achieve lasting peace. Instead, socio-economic programs that uplift the community’s living standards are essential to prevent the resurgence of extremist groups.
OPAPRU has implemented key peace mechanisms such as the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) management program and the Localized Normalization Implementation (LNI) program. The SALW initiative focuses on controlling the spread of illegal firearms through registration, tracking, and providing socio-economic support to affected individuals.
Meanwhile, the LNI program supports the reintegration of former rebels back into their communities, fostering reconciliation and stability.
“Patuloy po na susuportahan ng OPAPRU ang lalawigan ng Basilan sa paglalakbay nito patungo sa makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan,” Galvez assured, pledging continued support for Basilan’s path toward just and lasting peace.
These efforts highlight how coordinated military, social, and economic strategies can transform regions once plagued by violence into areas of growth and harmony.
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