BRIGADIER General Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said that development is expected to take place on an island in Al-Barka, Basilan province.
Reyeg made the announcement as the 21-year-old feud involving two sitios and coastal villages in Kaulungan Island, Al-Barka has been recently settled through the efforts of all concerned stakeholders.
He said the feud was settled through a peace caravan initiated by his command through the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion.
Reyeg said the ceremony that marked the settlement of the feud was held Monday, October 28, in Lookbisaya Village in Kaulungan Island.
The settlement of the feud will significantly contribute to the peace, security, and development of the province of Basilan, he added.
The army official said the feud had severely crippled the economy, education, and the normal delivery of basic government services in the area.
The municipality of Al-Barka consisted of 16 villages with a population of 20,905 as of the 2015 census.
It was created by Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 191, ratified by plebiscite on May 22, 2006.
Lieutenant Colonel Ivan San Jose, Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion commander, said the peace caravan was held in connection with the sustainment phase initiated by Joint Task Force Basilan to settle feuds in the province.
Meanwhile, San Jose said some 500 residents from Lookbisaya and Sangkahan, all of Kaulangan Island, have benefited from the services offered during the peace caravan.
San Jose added that school supplies were distributed to 165 students while others had free haircut, medical check-up, and received free medicine, hygiene kit, and food.
They were also entertained by the fun games, magic show, and live band prepared by his personnel, San Jose said.
He said the successful activity was conducted in collaboration with the Basilan provincial government, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), members of Basilan Ulama Supreme Council (BUSC), and other stakeholders.
Moreover, Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, has urged all the stakeholders to work for the betterment of Basilan province. (SunStar Zamboanga)