LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN — Basilan was officially declared on Monday, June 9, as free from the influence and presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), marking a major milestone for the island-province that was once considered the stronghold of the infamous terror organization.
The momentous event, which was the culmination of decades of strategic military operations, multi-stakeholder cooperation and sustained peacebuilding interventions, was led by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.
Stakeholders who attended the event lauded the national government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program and Localized Normalization Implementation (LNI) Program for being crucial components of Basilan’s amazing turn around.
Lagdameo and Galvez also witnessed the turnover of 329 assorted loose firearms that were turned over to Basilan local government units and the military through the SALW Program, which is being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
In his message of support, Lagdameo underscored the significance of the event, saying, “This declaration is not made lightly.”
“It is built upon years of sustained operations, tireless intelligence work, and collaboration between the national government, local leaders, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and most importantly, the communities who refused to surrender,” he pointed out.
Lagdameo paid tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace — soldiers, government workers, and innocent civilians — saying that all their sacrifices “will never be forgotten.”
“To our local leaders and the people of Basilan, this declaration is your victory,” he said. “You chose peace. You opened doors for reintegration, for healing, and for rebuilding lives. [You have shown] that terrorism cannot thrive when communities are strong, vigilant, and empowered.”
He lauded Basilan as a shining example of the “whole-of-government approach” wherein national and local stakeholders worked hand in hand to bring sustainable development and long-lasting peace.
Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman recounted the challenges faced by Basilan in its peace journey, particularly during the time when the ASG become a major threat to the municipality of Tipo-Tipo, leaving him no choice but to ask for a military offensive against the group.
“Maraming buhay ang binuwis, maraming effort, maraming resources,” Hataman said.
He shared that amidst the struggles his people had to endure, they were able to develop a positive, forward-looking and resilient mindset.
Hataman-Salliman remembered how he worked closely with Galvez, then a military official, during the construction of the Circumferential Road, which is a testament to the determination of the people of Basilan to uplift their socioeconomic conditions.
“To Sec. Galvez, thank you for the [helping] hand that you extended to the province,” he said.
For his part, Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay highlighted what the event meant to the people of Basilan.
“Today we mark not just the end of conflict but the beginning of a new chapter of peace, unity, and prosperity for our province,” Furigay said.
“This milestone is a testament to the courage of our people, the dedication of our security forces, and the unity of our leaders,” he added.
Furigay extended his gratitude to the national government and development partners, as he called on the people of Basilan to “protect and nurture the peace we now enjoy.”
In his declaration of support, Galvez, who once led the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) before he became AFP Chief-of-Staff, described the occasion as “a turning point for the province — from a place once tainted by bloodshed to one filled with peace.”
“Conflict was at an all-time high and Basilan was bleeding. Yet amid the hardship, I saw the profound willingness of the people to put an end to the violence,” he said, recalling the time he also served as brigade commander in Basilan in 2012.
Galvez noted that Basilan has become a shining example of what can be achieved through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, emphasizing that putting an end to the cycle of violence cannot be achieved by military might alone, but by “a people saying no to violence.”
Quoting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the peace adviser noted: “A province that was once tainted by violence and terrorism is now a zone of peace,” a milestone which was made possible by the people themselves who never lost hope.
The official declaration of Basilan as “ASG-free” is anchored on the Joint Resolution issued by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) on February 6, 2025, which states that:
“Through the unified efforts of the Provincial Government of Basilan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Government Units (LGUs), and other peace and development stakeholders, significant strides have been made in dismantling the operational capacity and presence of the ASG in the province… The declaration of Basilan as ASG-Free is a critical milestone that signifies the triumph of good governance, peace-building, and inclusive development over terror and conflict.###
