Basilan Declared Abu Sayyaf Group-Free Province: A New Era of Peace
Once notorious as a stronghold of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group, the province of Basilan in Mindanao has officially been declared free from the Abu Sayyaf Group’s influence and presence. This historic declaration took place on Monday, June 9, marking a pivotal moment for the community long affected by violence and unrest.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) led the ceremony in Lamitan City. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., along with Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Basilan Governor Jim Hataman, joined local leaders in celebrating this milestone. “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,” Secretary Galvez said.
Military Efforts and Community Cooperation
The road to declaring Basilan an Abu Sayyaf Group-free province was paved with relentless military operations and community-based peace programs. These efforts gradually weakened the extremist group’s foothold, which was once infamous for kidnappings and violent attacks.
Secretary Galvez, who once commanded the 104th Infantry Brigade in Basilan, recounted the hardships he witnessed during his tenure. “I witnessed a period of immense suffering in the province. Conflict was at an all-time high and Basilan was bleeding,” he shared. “Amidst the hardship and challenges, I saw the profound willingness of the people to put an end to the violence.”
Beyond Military Action: Socio-Economic Initiatives
As the Presidential Peace Adviser, Galvez emphasized that military strength alone cannot sustain lasting peace. He highlighted the importance of socio-economic development in improving lives and resisting extremism. Programs like the small arms and light weapons (SALW) management program and the localized normalization implementation (LNI) are key to this progress.
The SALW program focuses on controlling the spread of weapons through registration, tracing, and offering socio-economic support. Meanwhile, the LNI initiative assists in reintegrating former rebels into communities, fostering healing and stability.
“Patuloy po na susuportahan ng OPAPRU ang lalawigan ng Basilan sa paglalakbay nito patungo sa makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan,” Galvez assured.
Unified Efforts Lead to Success
The formal declaration was backed by Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, unanimously passed during the Joint Meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council earlier this year. Special Assistant Lagdameo stressed the significance of this achievement, noting it was built on years of persistent operations, intelligence work, and cooperation among the national government, local officials, security forces, and the communities themselves.
The Basilan-based 101st Infantry Brigade confirmed through intelligence assessments that there is no longer any identified organized Abu Sayyaf Group presence, infrastructure, or influence in the province. The resolution also acknowledged the successful surrender and reintegration of former ASG members through programs such as E-CLIP and the Balik-Loob Program.
Symbol of Hope: The ASG-Free Marker
The event’s highlight was unveiling a monument commemorating Basilan’s transformation. The ASG-free marker bears an inspiring message: “Basilan has risen above its darkest chapter through unwavering resolve, collaborative leadership, and grassroots peace-building, emerging stronger, more united, and determined to redefine its future.”
Governor Hataman expressed gratitude toward local government units, security forces, and the religious sector for their relentless support. “Upon assuming office in 2016, we took a strong stand by declaring an all-out war against extremists and lawless elements. Through dedicated collaboration, we crafted peace programs that created the space to end violent extremism,” he said.
Basilan’s declaration as an Abu Sayyaf Group-free province signals hope for lasting peace and inclusive growth. It highlights the power of unity, resilience, and comprehensive peacebuilding efforts.
For more news and updates on Basilan peace progress, visit Filipinokami.com.
