TABUAN LASA, BASILAN — In a significant stride toward lasting peace, the Provincial Government of Basilan, in partnership with the 101st Infantry Brigade and the Basilan Police Provincial Office, successfully facilitated an Amicable Settlement and Reconciliation between Mr. Bassal Sawadjaan and former Tabuan Lasa Mayor Muctar “Pusong” Junaid on Thursday at Barangay Kaumpurnah.
The peace accord aimed to end a long-standing clan feud that reignited following an incident on August 30. Through the traditional “pagsulut” or reconciliation ritual, both parties agreed to put aside animosities and choose peace for the greater good of their community.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman personally mediated the reconciliation, emphasizing that genuine leadership is proven not through conflict but through unity and compassion.
“True leadership is shown not in conflict, but in the ability to bring people together for peace and development,” said Gov. Hataman, as he urged residents to practice patience, understanding, and forgiveness amid divisions.
The event was attended by officials from the Basilan Police Provincial Office, including PCol. Cerrazid A. Umabong, PLtCol. Nurhaib A. Bungkac, and PCpt. Rinan P. Lanado; representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); members of the MNLF; and local community leaders.
BGen. Sales lauded the collective effort of all sectors toward achieving peace, while PCol. Umabong reaffirmed the police’s full support for reconciliation initiatives in the province.
Also present were local officials such as Tabuan Lasa Vice Mayor Hon. Irwin S. Atulul; Sumisip Vice Mayor Hon. Gulam S. Hataman; former Tabuan Lasa Mayor Hon. Nudzar “Pusong” Junaid; former Kaumpurnah Barangay Chair Anwar Hataman; MNLF Commander Riddin Jimpoy; Barangay Chairman Hon. Nadzar Jakaria; Hji. Alhassiri Jakaria; Hji. Himat Jakaria; Basa S. Jawadjian; and LTC Geofrey A. Fabros, acting commanding officer of the 6th SF Battalion.
Educators and community members also joined the reconciliation, including Gamra A. Alidjam, principal of Lanawan Central Elementary School; Mohammad Borhan M. Omar, school head of Kaumpurnah Elementary School; and Ustadz Shareef M. Abdurajik, director of Kaumpurnah Islamic Institute, who led the prayer and duwa’a.
This reconciliation marks a new chapter of unity and solidarity in Basilan — a community moving forward together for peace and progress.
In his recent 100-day report, Gov. Hataman highlighted similar successful settlements between long-feuding clans, some of which had spanned decades. These milestones, he said, demonstrate Basilan’s collective journey toward sustainable peace under his administration.