ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 26 (PIA) – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Basilan recently passed a resolution urging all local and international tri-media outfits to be diligent enough in describing Basilan Province in their reports.
Resolution No. 2022 – 85 series of 2022 urges all local and international tri-media outfits to refrain from describing or associating Basilan as “Stronghold of AbuSayyaf, a Pro-islamist State Extremist Group Known for its Banditry and Kidnapping” and exercise due diligence before adopting any particular descriptive statements prejudicial to the achieved gains of the province of Basilan on the aspect of peace and security.
The said resolution was authored by Hon. Ahmed IBN Djaliv T. Hataman with Hon. Nasser A. Salain and Hon. Nasser A. Asarul, all are Board Members in the 1st District of Basilan.
The resolution states that the description today of Basilan as a “Stronghold of Abusayaf” is no longer true and only serves to further maintain an outdated and inaccurate depiction of the current state of the province.
Board Member Ahmen “Amin” Hataman, in his speech during their 6th Regular Session, stressed the efforts of the Basilan government and its people to promote peace and embrace development here, which is very noticeable today.
“I am young enough that I cannot fully appreciate it, but I am well aware of the strides that the government, this province and her people have taken in order to develop Basilan and adopt measures in addressing the Abu Sayyaf issue, and in making Basilan a safer place; opening the doors for further development. As such, I am afraid that the perpetuation and continuous reinforcement of these ideas of Basilan, its cities and municipalities might do away with the steps we’ve finally made towards a direction that we wish to go,” BM Hataman said.
Resolution No. 2022-85 also stated that the Provincial Government of Basilan has made large strides to make the province safer and more peaceful based on its program and policies. Press releases that stereotype Basilan as an enclave of violent extremism will only serve to undermine the best efforts of the provincial government, component municipalities and cities and other stakeholders.
“This isn’t to say that Basilan is perfect. I will be the first to concede that Basilan is most definitely a work in progress, and there is yet much work to do and so much to accomplish. However, I also believe it is unfair to so easily dismiss the work of so many, to dismiss the genuine effort to forge for ourselves a new identity of our own making,” BM Hataman stressed.
Resolution No. 2022-85 further stated that the continuous perception of such stereotypes and old ideas of Basilan will unfairly hurt and diminish the improving perception of the province as tourists’ destination capitalizing on its pristine beaches, colorful cultures and history and exotic see foods. (RVC/NDR-PIA Basilan)
