6 days ago
Basilan province officially free from Abu Sayyaf Group —Galvez, Lagdameo
The province of Basilan has been officially declared free from the presence and threat of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr said Monday.
'Isang napakalaking karangalan na makasama kayong lahat ngayon sa pagdeklara natin sa lalawigan ng Basilan bilang Abu Sayyaf free,' Galvez said during a ceremony in Lamitan City.
(It is a great honor to be with you all today as we declare Basilan province as Abu Sayyaf free.)
Lagdameo said the declaration was the product of persistent efforts by both local and national agencies in pursuit of peace and stability.
'As envisioned by President (Ferdinand Jr.) Marcos not only for Bangsamoro region, but for the entire country, collaborative peace shall be the foundation of progress and development… as what is shown today,' he said, adding, 'as we raise the flag of peace over Basilan, may it be a beacon for other regions still battling the shadows of violence.'
As part of the ceremony, a symbolic demilitarization process was held where over 300 surrendered high-powered firearms were publicly destroyed using a steamroller.
A peace marker was also unveiled.
Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman said, 'May every leader who comes after us continue to guard this peace, and may our children never have to live the story we are finally closing."
Others present were Basilan Ulama Supreme Council president Aboulkhair Tarason, Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, LtGen. Leonardo Peña of Joint Task Force Orion, Basilan PNP Provincial Director Col. Cerrazid Umabong, and Basilan Vice Governor Yusop Alano.
In December 2024, the military said the province of Basilan is free from ASG following the surrender of terrorist group's reported last four members a day after Christmas on December 26.
According to the 101st Infantry Brigade, the four ASG members turned themselves in to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip town. They were identified as alias 'Jaber,' alias 'Yajid,' alias 'Juhah,' and alias 'Dadih.' Their four cohorts also surrendered. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News
