Once a hotbed of extremism, Basilan closes chapter on Abu Sayyaf

The white doves released are symbolic as they signal a break from Basilan’s long, violent past. Yet officials are quick to caution: peace remains fragile.

BASILAN, Philippines – Where kidnappers and extremists once held sway and fear ruled after dark, a new marker now stands: a white dove descending into two open hands, sculpted from demilitarized firearms. It is the centerpiece of a public declaration that Basilan is finally free of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

At a multi-sectoral ceremony on Monday, June 9, officials, community leaders, and survivors gathered to unveil the marker, a symbol of what many see as a turning point in the province’s violent history.

Just outside the new provincial government center in Santa Clara, Lamitan City, the dove greets visitors with a message etched: “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.”

The olive branch it carries has 13 leaves, representing Basilan’s 11 towns and two cities, and each once scarred by conflict. The firearms used in its creation were once weapons of conflict.

For years, Basilan, a province in the Bangsamoro region, was a stronghold of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf, blamed for bombings, beheadings, and kidnappings. 

One of the most infamous cases was the 2001 abduction of American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham from a resort in Palawan. Brought to Basilan, they and several others were held captive in the jungle for over a year. Martin was killed during a 2002 rescue; Gracia survived.

The Burnham case drew international condemnation and underscored the military’s long struggle to dismantle ASG’s network in Basilan.

But over the past decade, a combination of strong local leadership, faith-based dialogue, and reintegration efforts weakened the group. Militants surrendered, families returned, and communities slowly rebuilt.

The white doves released during the ceremony were symbolic as they signaled a break from a long, violent past. Yet officials were quick to caution: peace remains fragile.

The declaration was based on a February 6 resolution by the Basilan Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council. It cited “significant strides” in dismantling ASG’s operational capacity through coordinated efforts by the provincial government, military, local governments, and civil society.

Before the formal declaration, a road roller crushed 329 assorted firearms recovered since March under the Small Arms and Light Weapons program, according to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade.

Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. and Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. joined Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman in leading the ceremony, along with senior military officers, local officials, and other stakeholders.

Salliman credited the achievement to the unity of local governments, security forces, and the religious sector.

“This declaration is a powerful manifestation of what we Basileños have become – resilient, united, and redefined,” he said.

Galvez, recalling his years in Basilan as battalion and brigade commander, called the moment one of the most challenging and fulfilling in his career.

“We are now seeing the dividends of the peace process in Basilan’s growing prosperity,” he said.

Lagdameo emphasized the years of sustained operations and community cooperation that led to this point.

“This declaration is not made lightly. It is built upon years of hard work, intelligence, and the refusal of communities to give in,” he said.

He also paid tribute to soldiers, government workers, and civilians who died for peace, saying their sacrifices “will never be forgotten.” – Rappler.com