BASILAN DECLARED ASG-FREE

THE government on Monday officially declared the province of Basilan free from the influence and presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The declareation marked a major milestone for the island-province that was once considered the stronghold of the terror group.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. led the momentous occasion.

Stakeholders who attended the event lauded the national government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program and Localized Normalization Implementation program for being crucial components of Basilan’s amazing turnaround.

Lagdameo and Galvez witnessed the turnover of 329 assorted loose firearms 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).

Galvez, who once led the Western Mindanao Command before he became the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, described the event as “a turning point for the province — from a place once tainted by bloodshed to one filled with peace.”

According to Galvez, conflict was at an all-time high in Basilan and yet he saw the willingness of the people to put an end to the violence.

He said 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.”

Meanwhile, Lagdameo said the declaration was 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.

Lagdameo paid tribute to 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. 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 said.

Lagdameo said the official declaration of Basilan as ASG-free is anchored on the joint resolution issued by the Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council on Feb. 6, 2025.