THE Province of Basilan was officially declared free from the influence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Monday, June 9, 2025.
A multi-sectoral ceremony marked this significant step toward lasting peace and development.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman led the declaration. The event took place at the new Provincial Government Center in Sta. Clara village, Lamitan City. Military officials, civil society groups, and local government officials attended the ceremony.
The formal declaration follows Resolution Number 1, series of 2025. The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) unanimously approved this resolution on February 6, 2025.
The resolution states that the combined efforts of the Provincial Government of Basilan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Local Government Units, and other stakeholders have dismantled the ASG's operational capacity in the province. It affirms the declaration of Basilan as ASG-Free is a crucial milestone, showing the success of good governance, peace-building, and inclusive development.
The declaration began with the destruction of 329 assorted firearms by a road roller. Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade Commander, said these firearms were collected since March 2024 through the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program.
A monument commemorating Basilan's transformation, the ASG-Free Marker, was unveiled at the provincial government center's main building. The marker bears a message about Basilan's struggle and triumph: "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."
The marker features a white dove descending into two open hands, sculpted from demilitarized firearms, holding an olive branch with 13 leaves. Each leaf symbolizes one of Basilan's 11 towns and two cities, reflecting the province's resilience and victory over years of violence.
After the unveiling, white doves were released, symbolizing the province's collective flight toward a future of freedom, unity, and hope, leaving behind past fear and oppression.
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay said this milestone shows the courage of Basileños, the dedication of security forces, and the unity of local leaders.
Governor Salliman recognized the strong support from local government units, security forces, and the religious sector in the fight against the ASG. He recalled working with Galvez, then a brigade commander, on the Circumferential Road, which demonstrated the determination of Basilan's people to improve their socioeconomic conditions.
Salliman declared an all-out war against the ASG when he took office in 2016. They developed peace programs that helped end violent extremism. "The declaration of Basilan as ASG-free is a powerful manifestation of what we Basileños have become—resilient, united, and redefined," he said.
Galvez shared his experience in Basilan as a Battalion and Brigade Commander, calling it a challenging but fulfilling chapter in his military career. He attributed this transformation to the combined efforts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, national and local government, religious sector, security forces, and the people. "We are now seeing the dividends of the peace process in Basilan’s growing prosperity," he said.
Galvez affirmed the national government's continued support under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and its commitment to sustaining peace through development, social healing, decommissioning efforts, and other initiatives.
Secretary Lagdameo underscored the event's importance. "This declaration is not made lightly," he said. "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 honored the soldiers, government workers, and innocent civilians who sacrificed for peace, stating their sacrifices "will never be forgotten."
Brigadier General Luzon honored the legacy of service and sacrifice that led to this historic milestone. "This historic milestone is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication," Luzon said. He added, "To the officers and men who have served and campaigned here in this province before us—this victory is yours. Many gave their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace in Basilan, and their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten." He also paid tribute to past and present Battalion and Brigade Commanders and all security forces involved in Basilan's security operations.
In his closing remarks, Basilan Vice Governor Yusop Alano thanked all partners, stakeholders, peacebuilders, and community members. Alano affirmed the provincial government's commitment to protecting the hard-won peace and ensuring continued progress and unity for all Basileños. (SunStar Zamboanga)