LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN — With the May 2025 National and Local Elections fast approaching, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has ramped up its presence in Basilan, deploying additional military forces in an effort to secure what is shaping up to be an increasingly fragile peace.
On Sunday, April 20, the 113th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) of the 11th Infantry Division arrived in Lamitan City and was officially welcomed by Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, Commander of the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade. The unit, led by First Lieutenant Eric Regaspe, will be stationed at the 14th Special Forces Company headquarters under the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
The deployment, part of an ongoing security campaign by the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) and Joint Task Force (JTF) ORION, is intended to help safeguard the upcoming electoral process. However, the need for reinforcements has raised concerns about the state of peace and order in Basilan — a province once believed to be steadily leaving behind its violent past.
Despite efforts by both the government and local leaders to promote Basilan as a model for post-conflict recovery, recent months have seen a worrying surge in violent incidents, including ambushes and attacks targeting soldiers. These developments suggest that stability in the province remains fragile, casting doubt on claims of lasting peace.
Even more alarming is the contrast to neighboring Sulu, once infamous for insurgency and violence, but now showing signs of relative calm and improvement. As Sulu seems to be turning a corner, Basilan appears to be facing a resurgence of security threats, raising questions about the underlying causes and whether the province is slipping back into old patterns.
The arrival of the 113th DRC followed a high-profile visit by Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commander of WESTMINCOM, and Major General Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of JTF ORION, to the 101st Infantry Brigade headquarters on April 19. Their visit underscored the Armed Forces’ heightened concern for Basilan’s security climate as election day nears.
During the arrival ceremony, Brigadier General Luzon addressed the newly deployed troops, expressing both confidence in their readiness and the gravity of the mission ahead.
“I have full trust in your professionalism, discipline, and dedication. You will be working alongside the capable and committed soldiers of the 101st Infantry Brigade, and I am confident that together, we will ensure a secure and peaceful electoral process in Basilan,” Luzon said.
However, the buildup of military forces serves as a reminder that tensions remain high and that peace in Basilan is still a work in progress, especially with armed groups reportedly exploiting the election period to sow unrest and intimidation.
The 101st Infantry Brigade, in collaboration with WESTMINCOM and JTF ORION, continues to prepare for all possible security scenarios in hopes of delivering an election that is safe, credible, and free from violence — though the road to that goal appears increasingly uncertain.
