Reformation program for 214 former ASG bandits launched

ISABELA CITY, Basilan -- A holistic program to help transform the lives of 214 former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was launched here Monday in an effort to prevent and decisively address violent extremism in this island province and encourage active members of the group to return to the folds of the law. Basilan Governor Hajiman Hataman Saliman said it is the mission of the local government to deny the ASG the chance to make the province as their stronghold again. “I thank you for coming back and (joining) the mainstream society,” he told the former members of the ASG at the launching of the program inside the camp of the 4th Special Battalion in Kabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan. “Let’s work together. Our experiences should lead us to not use and take up arms anymore,” he said in the vernacular. “Let’s use our time now for peace building. The government is here to help,” he added. The Prevention and Transformation of Violent Extremist program was crafted when Mujiv Hataman, the former regional governor of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), invited the non-government organization Balay Mindanaw to come up with a holistic program to help the returnees integrate into mainstream society. The program was conceptualized as members of the terror group have begun to turn themselves in following continuing pressure from the military operations, and strong intervention coming from the local government and religious groups as the threat of violent extremism has taken root in some parts of Mindanao. The reintegration planning ( was then extended to other sectors such as the military and non-government organizations in the island province From 2017 to January 2018, a series of interventions were initially given to 86 former members of ASG. The group underwent an exposure tour program in Cagayan de Oro City. From its success, the regional government of the former ARMM, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Balay Mindanaw felt the need to improve and expand the initiative, leading to the creation of a Disengage

ment Program for Former Local Terrorists. The program aims to provide a platform for a comprehensive reformation for former extremists who decided to return to the folds of the law. It will also develop a template that will guide the crafting of regional and national policies for reformation which will benefit provinces which are confronting the problems of violent extremism. Charlito Manlupig, the chief executive officer of Balay Mindanaw, admitted that the task in helping former ASG members is very “delicate but rewarding.” Regaining normal life Hussin Jamiri, one of the former members of the ASG, said giving them a second chance to live a new life is something they will forever be grateful for. Jamiri, who admitted to have been hiding for 13 years, decided to return to the folds of law because of the constant pressure coming from the military. He said he was tired of running, and wanted to reclaim his old life. He is now convincing other ASG members to leave behind the “life of a thug.” “For those who are still with the Abu Sayyaf, I hope you will be enlightened. There is so much to life than hiding in the mountains,” he said in his native Yakan dialect.

Australian support

The success of the program eventually led the Australian government to support the initiative through its embassy in Manila. The program, according to Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson, is “fundamental to the future of peace in the Bangsamoro.” Robinson flew here, defying the advisory of western countries against traveling to Basilan, to witness the remarkable progress in the national government’s deradicalization efforts. “The turning away from the Abu Sayyaf is an outstanding accomplishment, and we should think now on how to sustain the success,” he said. He said the Australian government is committed to address the global threat of terror groups. “Radicalization, violent extremism, and the recruitment of the vulnerable, cut across boundaries and jurisdictions, so collaboration, working together, is such a critical part of our strategy,” he pointed out. Addressing the primary causes of conflict is crucial in weeding out the influence of the terror groups, according to Major General Andres Centino, the AFP’s Deputy Chief of Staff for operations, said. “It is imperative to uphold substantial solutions to address the root causes of the conflict,” he said.