Basilan declared 'free' from Abu Sayyaf Group
Once a haven of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the province of Basilan in Mindanao was officially declared free from the influence and presence of the extremist group on Monday, June 9.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. graced the ceremony declaring Basilan an “ASG-free” province in Lamitan City along with Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Basilan Governor Jim Hataman.
“The declaration of Basilan as free from the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) marks a turning point for the province — from a place once tainted by bloodshed to one filled with peace,” he said.
The peace adviser said that relentless military operations coupled with community-based peace initiatives weakened the foothold of the ASG in Basilan, which was once considered a stronghold of the extremist group known for kidnappings and violent attacks.
Galvez, a former military official, recalled his experience as the commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in Basilan where he confronted the threat posed by the ASG.
“I witnessed a period of immense suffering in the province. Conflict was at an all-time high and Basilan was bleeding. My assignment there was one of the toughest in my military career. Amidst the hardship and challenges, I saw the profound willingness of the people to put an end to the violence,” he said.
Now as the Presidential Peace Adviser, Galvez recognized that military action is not enough to cultivate a just and lasting peace in Basilan – the people need socio-economic intervention to improve their living conditions and resist the influence of extremist and violent groups.
He cited OPAPRU’s peace mechanisms such as the small arms and light weapons (SALW) management program and the localized normalization implementation (LNI) program in forging a path to lasting peace and inclusive progress in Basilan.
The SALW aims to control the proliferation of small and light weapons through registration, tracing, and socio-economic assistance. The LNI, on the other hand, is a peace-building initiative designed to support the reintegration of former rebels at the community level.
“Patuloy po na susuportahan ng OPAPRU ang lalawigan ng Basilan sa paglalakbay nito patungo sa makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan (OPAPRU will continue to support the province of Basilan in its journey towards a just and lasting peace),” Galvez said.
The formal declaration is anchored on Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, passed unanimously during the Joint Meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) held in February.
“This declaration is not made lightly. It is built upon years of sustained operations, of tireless intelligence work, of collaboration between the national government, local leaders, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and most importantly, the communities who refused to surrender to terror,” Lagdameo said.
The Basilan-based 101st Infantry Brigade cited intelligence and operational assessments confirming that “there is no longer any identified organized ASG presence, infrastructure, or influence” in Basilan.
The resolution also acknowledged the successful surrender and reintegration of former ASG members through programs such as E-CLIP and the Balik-Loob Program, as well as the broader gains in local governance, security, and community resilience that dismantled the conditions that once allowed violent extremism to thrive.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ASG-free marker, a monument commemorating Basilan’s transformation.
Etched on the marker is a message that captures the essence of the province’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.”
For his part, Hataman acknowledged the support of local government units, security forces, and the religious sector in the province’s successful campaign against the ASG.
“Upon assuming office in 2016, we took a strong stand by declaring an all-out war against extremists and lawless elements. Through dedicated collaboration, we crafted peace programs that created the space to end violent extremism,” he stated.