Southern Philippine municipality declared free of Abu Sayyaf terror group
Lantawan was Abu Sayyaf Group's haven for decades.
ZAMBOANGA CITY: A southern Philippine municipality said to be the birthplace and haven for the Abu Sayyaf Group for decades has been declared free of the terror group.
The municipality of Lantawan is located in Basilan province.
Basilan governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman made the pronouncement in a ceremony held in Manggas village in the said town on June 5, 2024, according to the Philippine military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in a statement.
The declaration was seconded by top military and police officials of the province, said Westmincom, adding the governor highlighted the importance of provincial unity in achieving peace.
During the ceremony, various firearms surrendered/recovered from Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) personalities were presented, including one .50 Barret Sniper rifle, four M16A1 rifles, two M1 Garand rifles, one MAC-11 machine pistol/submachine gun, one shotgun, one M79 grenade launcher and two .45 calibre pistols.
Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, the commander of the Philippine army’s 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde), said the declaration of Lantawan town as ASG-free is a historic milestone.
“This achievement is a direct result of the unwavering resolve of the people of Lantawan, who chose peace over violence. It is a powerful symbol of hope and a testament to the strength of collaboration between the military, the local government, and the community,” he said in the statement.
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The transformation of Lantawan is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the local government, led by municipal mayor Nasser Abubakar, the courageous people of Lantawan, and the tireless efforts of the government forces, added Westmincom.
“This declaration marks a significant victory in the fight against violent extremism in the province.”
Lantawan has a long and complex history with the ASG, said 101Bde in a separate statement.
The municipality was previously known as a stronghold for the terrorist group, with many ASG commanders originating from the area.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Lantawan served as a major battlefield where troops confronted the ASG leadership, including Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, the ASG founder; Khadaffy Janjalani, the notorious Abu Sabaya, and Isnilon Hapilon, the slain emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia.
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The transformation of Lantawan is also a testament to the tireless efforts of specifically the 4th Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Adolf Ian Garceron, said 101Bde.
Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales commended the 101Bde for this significant and historic achievement.
“I attribute this success to good governance and strong interagency collaboration. It is a testament to the good coordination and cooperation among the different sectors,” he said in Westmincom’s statement.
“May this declaration strengthen our convergence and unified efforts to eradicate the traces of terrorism and sustain peace in the communities.”
The ASG is designated by several nations including the Philippines as a terror group.
Apart from Basilan, Sulu is another southern Philippine province declared free of the terror group previously although remnants remain there and an ASG resurgence threat still exists, according to a military official.