The town of Lantawan in Basilan has been declared Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free by the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the first municipality in the province with reportedly no more presence of ASG.

In the 1900s and 2000s, Lantawan was known as a stronghold of the ASG, where numerous encounters have occurred. This is also where the ASG troops, including the group’s founder, Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani and Isnilon Hapilon, the former emir of ISIS-Southeast Asia, were arrested.

“Malaki ang naging effect ng local communities natin, sila yung naging susi kung bakit ganito na ka-peaceful ang lugar. Hindi tayo complacent, sigi-sigi parin trabaho, monitoring,” WestMinCom Spokesperson, Major Orlando Ayllon, said.

During a ceremony, several firearms were also presented, including a .50 caliber Barret Sniper rifle, four M16A1 rifles, two M1 Garand rifles, a shotgun, an M79 Grenade launcher, and two .45 caliber pistols.

The former ASG members who surrendered have reportedly benefited from the livelihood programs offered by the government.

“Assured na tayo na hindi na sila babalik sa ganoong gawain kasi na-experience nila kung gaano kahirap na hinahabol sila ng tropa. Nakita nila kung ano ang magiging effect kung peaceful ang isang lugar,” Ayllon added.

WestMinCom is hoping to declare the entire province ASG-free to restore its good image.