Isabela City, Basilan — In a bid to strengthen peace and good governance in the Bangsamoro region, the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade joined a key stakeholder’s meeting spearheaded by Conciliation Resources and various civil society organizations (CSOs) on April 8, 2025, at the Kasinnahan Hotel and Restaurant in Isabela City.
The gathering is part of the ongoing project “Strengthening Connections and Dialogues in the Bangsamoro” (SCADIB), a peacebuilding initiative designed to foster collaboration between government agencies, security forces, and community-based organizations. The main agenda: ensuring clean, honest, and peaceful elections across island provinces like Basilan.
Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, PA, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, has thrown the full support of his unit behind the initiative. Representing him at the event was First Lieutenant Venus B. Castillo, PA, who reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to promoting stability and security in the region.
“We are fully aligned with the efforts of our partners in peacebuilding. A stable Basilan starts with a truthful and peaceful electoral process,” Lt. Castillo said during the meeting.
CSOs present at the dialogue shared insights and raised concerns about election-related challenges in remote island communities, including vote-buying, misinformation, and political intimidation. They also explored strategies to empower voters and strengthen grassroots education campaigns.
At the heart of the discussions was the recognition that credible elections are essential to building trust in democratic institutions and fostering long-term peace in the Bangsamoro region.
“A truthful and honest election is not just about the vote count. It’s about empowering communities to shape their future based on integrity, respect, and active participation,” said one of the CSO representatives.
The stakeholder meeting served as a platform to build synergy between civil society and the security sector, reinforcing the idea that peace and democracy go hand in hand. As the region prepares for the next electoral cycle, initiatives like SCADIB highlight the importance of collective action in safeguarding democratic values.
For Basilan and other parts of the Bangsamoro, the road to lasting peace may be long — but with truthful elections and united communities, progress is within reach.