#basilan

Contrary to popular belief, Basilan is actually a really safe city, far from all the fearmongering of daily bomb threats and insurgent attacks that has been ingrained in us since we were kids. Well, it might quite have the history, but as someone who has been there personally this 2022, I can vouch that Basilan is making its mark in the country, and is definitely a must see — from the prestine untouched beaches, to its diverse and rich culture rooted from three different ethnic tribes, to its sumptuous food, and most especially to its really fun-loving and amicable people.

I've only heard of Basilan from news about terrorist attacks and kidnapping for ransoms from Abu Sayyaf group. Just hearing the name of the province sends chills down my spine, and I'd be a hypocrite if I say I wasn't scared for my life (read: kung dito man ako mamamatay, at least namatay akong sumusuporta sa kandidato ko. Let Leni Lead wow endorse pa more haha).

"Is it safe there?"

"Aren't you afraid of the everyday hostilities there, not to mention the ongoing armed conflicts and social unrest?"

"If you get abducted, who will help you?"

VP Leni spoked to the townsfolk of Marang Marang that morning.

“Sobrang ganda, sobrang ganda ng inyong lugar na tingin po natin, 'yung mga kababayan natin na naghahanap ng bagong pupuntahan, grabe talaga 'yung makikita sa Basilan. Ang kabutihan lang po nito, pag meron kasing mga pumupunta dito, nakakadagdag 'yun sa hanapbuhay ninyo.”

“Alam natin na 'yung kultura ng mga Pilipino, 'yung mga kalalakihan 'yung laging naghahanapbuhay. Pero hindi po gustong sabihin na wala tayong puwedeng gawin habang naiiwan tayo sa ating mga bahay. Isa din po 'yan sa tinitingnan natin, papaano ba natin matutulungan 'yung mga kababaihan na habang inaasikaso nila 'yung mga anak nila sa bahay, meron ding mapapagkunan ng hanapbuhay.”

“Kaya, maraming puwedeng gawin pero, marami nang pagbabago sa Basilan at 'yung pagbabago, papunta na sa katahimikan at kabutihan. Kaya sana, tuloy tuloy na ito, pagtulong-tulungan po natin.”

Since June of last year, I've heard life-changing stories from the leadership of Cong. Mujiv Hataman and Mayor Sitti Djalia "Dada" Turabin Hataman in Basilan from my good friend JL. The Basilan that we know today is a different era from what it used to be, and is a product of compassionate, people-centered, and consultative governance. Quite honestly, I'm a lowkey fan of this couple.

I am continously amazed that these kind of people exists — coming from very influential families in Mindanao, they decided to dedicate their lives to advocating for indigenous people’s human rights, and breaking norms for progressive changes in Basilan, and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. 

I first met Cong. Mujiv in Cagayan de Oro. He was really simple, but he has this commanding aura. He can make the crowd go silent and listen to him. He can make the mood light, but can still his convey his thoughts with conviction. He is a damn good public speaker. Anyway, fanboying aside, I really admire him for bringing the change he envisioned  — making Basilan a self-sufficient province, giving it the fortitude to withstand and recover quickly from any conflicts.

My flight from Manila to Zamboanga was at 5AM so I had to be at the airport really early. Knowing myself, as the heavy sleeper that I am (read: I can hear my mom saying “Hoy Jasfher tanghali na nasusunog na ‘yung bahay natin tulog ka pa din!”), I eagerly waited for midnight and just occupied myself with some movies and packed my things around 2AM. 

Upon arriving in Zamboanga, I got my ticket to Isabela City and rode a ferry for another 2 hours. I had my lunch, then went for a quick nap. Ahh, finally a taste of good rest.  

JL knocked on my door at around 4pm, and we went to the Plaza to check on the stage installations. He is one of the main organizers, and his team has been planning this for days. I saw him talk to the hosts, the lights and sounds crew, the security people, the boat owners, and even the performers. All these while making sure everyone is having fun while working. A one man team indeed. I could tell you more how great of a man JL is, but let me save that for another post. Haha.