AL-BARKA, Basilan (PIA) – Al-Barka Municipality has reached a historic milestone with the official declaration by the 101st Brigade, Philippine Army (PA), declaring the town “Abu-Sayyaf Group” (ASG)-free. This significant step marks a pivotal moment in Al-Barka’s journey towards a brighter and more peaceful future, following years of conflict and terrorism.
The ceremony was attended by various government units, national agencies, barangay officials, stakeholders, security sectors and residents of Al-Barka, and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
In his message, Mayor Jaydeefar J. Lajid expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their support in achieving this milestone. He emphasized that despite the challenges faced by the municipality in the past, it continues to rise up and fight for peace towards progress and development.
Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na dinanas ng aming bayan dati, patuloy itong bumabangon at lumalaban para makamit ang kapayapaan. Ang pagsusumikap ng Al-Barka na itaguyod ang ASG-Free declaration ay nagsilbing tulay upang ipagpatuloy natin ang seguridad ng ating bayan at itaguyod ang kapayapaan at kalayaan tungo sa Makabagong Al-Barka,” he expressed.
(Despite the trials our town has faced in the past, it continues to rise and fight to achieve peace. Al-Barka’s efforts to promote the ASG-Free declaration have served as a bridge for us to continue securing our city and to promote peace and freedom towards a New Al-Barka.)
BGen Alvin V Luzon, Brigade Commander of the 101st Brigade, Philippine Army based in Basilan, expressed his full support for sustaining the municipality’s goal of peace and progress. He assured that the combined efforts of the security sector, local officials, and the community will be crucial in achieving these objectives.
“We will continue to be vigilant and continue our security campaigns para tuloy-tuloy ang katiwasayan at kapayapaan ng Al-Barka Municipality. Hindi lang naming ito declaration ng ASG-Free kundi declaration din ito ng lahat ng mamamayan ng Al-barka,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts in achieving peace, saying that despite the traumatic days of security threats in Al-barka in the past, the community’s hope for a change towards peace and order is still possible. He encouraged MILFs and MNLFs to live and choose peace and stability for a better future.
“Pamaesaeb ku si kaam meh MILF duk MNLF pa attend koitu, amey-amey sikaam in kite bi gey ne baya mag sasa, in kite bi baya ne sanyang. Kabayaan ku sanyang ne kite be kemon. Tala pe lahat te si kasannangan sah tapit ne si lalan kasannangan,” he expressed in Yakan dialect.
(I remind everyone, especially the MILFs and MNLFs present here today, that none of us wants conflict; we all want peace. My plea is to sustain and maintain peace and stability in our province. We are still far from achieving lasting peace, but we are on the right path towards it.
Residents of Al-Barka have expressed that the declaration of an ASG-Free Al-Barka has ignited a collective desire for lasting peace and development within the community. They view the event as a crucial step towards fostering a safer and more secure environment.
As part of the declaration, white doves were released, and a Peace Marker in front of the municipal hall was unveiled. This historic milestone signifies Al-Barka’s progress in rebuilding its reputation and working towards a brighter future for its residents. The ASG-Free declaration stands as a testament to the municipality’s dedication to peace and development, serving as a beacon of hope for a more peaceful and stable future.(JPA/NDR-PIA Basilan with report from Sara I. Angging)
