Lamitan City, Basilan — The Province of Basilan was officially declared free from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on June 9, 2025, marking a significant turning point in its long struggle for peace and development. The declaration took place during a multi-sectoral ceremony at the Basilan Government Center, symbolizing the province’s transformation from conflict to stability.
The formal declaration was based on Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, passed unanimously by the Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council. The resolution confirmed that there is no longer any organized ASG presence or influence in Basilan’s municipalities and cities, crediting the success to the unified efforts of the provincial government, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and peace stakeholders. Programs facilitating the surrender and reintegration of former ASG members, such as the E-CLIP and Balik-Loob Program, were also highlighted as key factors in dismantling violent extremism in the province.
The ceremony featured symbolic acts including the demilitarization and public destruction of 329 surrendered firearms, reinforcing Basilan’s commitment to peace and good governance. A commemorative ASG-Free Marker was unveiled, depicting a white dove descending into open hands sculpted from demilitarized firearms, symbolizing hope and unity across Basilan’s municipalities and cities.
Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, reflected on his experience in Basilan as a former military commander and lauded the milestone as the fruit of collective sacrifice and cooperation. He said, “This is the transformational result of the collective efforts of the BARMM, national and local government, religious sector, security forces, and our people. We are now seeing the dividends of the peace process in Basilan’s growing prosperity.” He also emphasized the national government’s continuing commitment to sustaining peace through development and social healing.
The event was attended by key government officials, military commanders, local leaders, and peace partners, all affirming their dedication to preserving the hard-won peace and fostering inclusive progress for Basilan’s future generations. This declaration redefines Basilan’s narrative from a conflict zone to a beacon of peace and hope.
