Basilan — November 29, 2025.
The first rays of dawn broke over Puno Sampinit on Saturday as Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman led a symbolic climb up the once-feared mountain—long known as a stronghold of insurgents but now emerging as a testament to the province’s hard-won peace and growing commitment to environmental restoration.
The early morning ascent, joined by the BATCOM of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and its Executive Officer, the Provincial Mobile Force of PNP Basilan under Col. Rajiv, barangay captains from Masola and Mahatallang, Liga ng Barangay President Sarib Hataman, and community representatives, marked a significant moment in Basilan’s transformation from conflict to conservation.
“For too long, Puno Sampinit was a name associated with fear and violence. But today, we stand here to rewrite its story,” Governor Hataman told the climbers upon reaching the peak. “Tapos na ang laban natin sa terorismo. Ngayon naman, sinisimulan natin ang bagong laban—ang pagsagip sa ating kalikasan at kabundukan.”
The governor emphasized that the “E” in the Basilan HELPS development agenda stands for Environment—a symbol of the province’s renewed vision to protect forests, mountains, and coasts that have long suffered from conflict and neglect. “Protecting them is not optional—it’s a duty,” he said. “Every tree we plant here is a promise to future generations that Puno Sampinit will be a place of hope, not horror.”
From Militancy Routes to Eco-Trails
Participants noted striking changes along the trail—once thick with overgrowth and used covertly by armed groups, the paths are slowly being reclaimed for responsible tourism, ranger patrols, and reforestation projects. At the peak, the team planted native tree saplings, reinforcing the commitment to restoring Sampinit’s biodiversity.
Col. Rajiv of PMFB Basilan highlighted a shift in the role of security forces: “Our presence here today is not to patrol, but to partner with the community in building a better Basilan. We will continue to support efforts to protect both the people and the environment.”
The initiative builds on Governor Hataman’s recent trek to Puno Ulayan—Basilan’s highest summit—where he launched an ecotourism program aimed at showcasing the province’s natural assets while providing sustainable income for upland communities. Plans are now underway to craft formal eco-tourism guidelines for Puno Sampinit, including waste management rules, forest protection measures, and community-run tour operations.
A Symbolic Step Toward a Greener Future
For many locals, the climb represents far more than a physical achievement. It signifies a collective declaration that Basilan is ready to move forward—no longer defined by its past but empowered by a shared vision of peace, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
“This is more than a climb—it’s a declaration that Basilan’s best days are ahead,” Governor Hataman concluded. “We have turned the page on conflict. Now, let’s write a new chapter of stewardship for our land.”
As the sun rose over Sampinit Peak, it illuminated not just the mountain’s dense canopy and ridgelines—but a province reclaiming its identity, one tree, one trail, and one community at a time.