Basilan’s journey to long-lasting peace

The bulk of my younger years in the military were spent in Mindanao, particularly in Basilan. At that time, the island-province was a hotbed of conflict where insurgents and violent extremists wrought havoc on helpless communities. It was one of the most difficult assignments in my military career, which tested my resolve as a soldier, an officer and commander.

- PEACE BY PEACE SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

This armed conflict continued throughout my career, even as I became the youngest commander to lead the island's brigade and later as the chief of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom). I lost count of the countless battles my men and I undertook in Basilan.

So when I set foot in Basilan last Oct. 9, I felt a deep sense of pride and joy. From the festive atmosphere, to the bustling economic activity, and to the bright smiles on people’s faces, the area was truly undergoing a remarkable transformation.

And when I sat side by side with my good Eisenhower Co-Fellow Governor Mujiv S Hataman to sign two Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), I was overwhelmed with emotion as the Basilan I once knew had already become a distant memory.

The first MOA was for the continuation of the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) Program, and the other for the roll-out of the Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PTVE) Program.

These initiatives represent the national government’s firm commitment to strengthen and sustain Basilan’s hard-won peace by addressing the roots of conflict - poverty, marginalization, and lack of economic opportunity.

Through the LNI Program, the OPAP-RU turned over P9.4 million to the Basilan provincial government to implement socioeconomic initiatives for the communities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.

This reflects the government's commitment to empowering local government units, ensuring they play an active role in normalizing and transforming communities of former rebels—a true example of an inclusive peace process.