Isabela City, Basilan is now free of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The declaration was held at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center on Monday, September 30, 2024, and was witnessed by high-ranking military and police officials, and local leaders.
Among the highlights of the declaration were the unveiling of ASG-free marker and the signing of a commitment for an ASG-free Isabela City.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the contributions of everyone involved in achieving an ASG-free city that is over 33 years in the making.
"Kami ay masaya. This is a day that many of us, over 33 years ago, never thought we would witness. We know the story, the beginning, but we couldn’t imagine how the story would end,” the mayor was quoted as saying.
"We wouldn’t have reached this day without the collaboration and effort of all," she concluded,” she added.