Finally: Basilan 'ASG-free'

June 9 was a very special day for the people of Basilan, as the island-province, which has gained notoriety over the years for being the stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), was officially declared as “ASG-Free.”

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As Special Assistant to the President Sec. Antonio Lagdameo and I disembarked from the chopper and walked toward the site of the program, we immediately sensed the positive change that is sweeping across Basilan.

From the festive atmosphere, to the beautiful smiles and the warm reception we received from local officials and residents, we felt that the province is finally shedding its war-torn image as it undergoes a remarkable transformation.

This amazing turnaround also took concrete form in the 329 loose firearms—composed mostly of high powered rifles — that were voluntarily surrendered by individuals to local government units and the security sector. This is on top of the more than 550 firearms that have been turned in when President Marcos graced the Peace Monument in the Sampikit complex last year.

The turnover of these unlicensed weapons was facilitated by the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, which is being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

Critical to the successful implementation of the SALW Program is the support coming from the Provincial Local Government of Basilan, members of the security sector, and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to take these firearms off the streets.

As context, Basilan was totally different more than 20 years ago. I was assigned in Basilan from 2000 to 2002 as a former commander of the First Scout Ranger Battalion. It was at the height of the kidnap-for-ransom crisis where the militant groups abducted several teachers and killed a Catholic priest. At the same time, we were also running after the members of the MILF in an “All-out-War” Campaign.