THE provincial government of Basilan yesterday formally declared it is Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free.
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, during ceremonies held at the Basilan Government Center in Lamitan City, said the historic event not only pertains to the absence of the armed group, but is a “powerful symbol of the strength, resilience, and unity of its people who have long deserved peace.”
“Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi lamang tagumpay ng Basilan. Sa mata ng buong bansa, kayo po ay isang halimbawa ng tagumpay ng whole-of-government approach, kung saan ang lokal at pambansang pamahalaan ay nagkakaisa para sa isang makabuluhang layunin: ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa lahat (This victory is not just a victory for Basilan. In the eyes of the entire nation, you are an example of the success of the whole-of-government approach, where local and national governments united for a meaningful goal: peace and prosperity for all),” Lag-dameo said.
“As we raise the flag of peace over Basilan, may it be a beacon for other regions still battling the shadows of violence. May it inspire our continued march towards a just, inclusive, and lasting peace for the entire nation,” he also said.
Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPARU) Secretary Carlito Galvez welcomed Basilan’s declaration, saying the province is now “firmly” on the path to lasting peace and inclusive progress.
Galvez, a retired military general, recalled his experience as a brigade commander when he le the battle against the ASG in Basilan, branding it as one of the toughest moments in his military career.
He said the ASG had turned Basilan into a nest of violence and terrorism, and a place that was plagued with violent extremists and kidnap-for-ransom gangs.
“The declaration of Basilan as free from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) marks a turning point for the province — from a place once tainted by bloodshed to one filled with peace,” he said as he assured the people of Basilan that the national government, led by the OPAPRU, would continue to support the province to ensure that it will be able to sustain the path towards a just and lasting peace.
“Moving forward, we urge local government officials, civil society organizations, the security sector, and the people of Basilan to continue your collective efforts to further develop Basilan as a haven for peace and progress,” he said.
During the ceremonies, Lagdameo, Galvez, and representatives of the Philippine Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade joined local officials of Basilan in destroying confiscated and surrendered weapons.
They also unveiled the Pillar of Peace and a symbolic releasing of a dove which “reflects the col-lective journey of Basilan from fear to hope, from conflict to peace”.
The ASG was initially dubbed as bandits and later declared a terrorist group. It was behind a se-ries of kidnapping, beheadings and bombings in Basilan and Sulu.
