Peace initiative unites Basilan leaders

 LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The Basilan Provincial Local Government (BPLG) has rolled out the Basilan People’s Islamic Reconciliation (BPIR) Program, a bold initiative aimed at bringing together community leaders, mediators, and elders to foster a more peaceful and united Basilan.

Governor Mujiv Hataman said the launch was followed by a five-day Training–Workshop for Local Mediators and Reconcilers at a Zamboanga City hotel, which concluded last Friday. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to handle family disputes and other local conflicts.

Some 35 participants joined the training, including ulama, community elders, and religious and traditional leaders from 11 municipalities and two cities across the province.

“The BPIR was born from a simple but crucial question: how can we resolve conflicts in ways that respect our people and stay true to our culture and tradition?” Gov. Hataman said. The answer, he explained, is Islamic-based reconciliation, a method rooted in sulh (reconciliation), hikmah (wisdom) and adl (justice) — principles long practiced in Basilan’s communities.

“Lasting peace starts within the community itself,” Hataman added. “It is strengthened by processes that reflect the faith and identity of the Basileños.”

The BPIR will be jointly managed by the Provincial Government of Basilan, the Basilan Provincial Council of Elders (Darul Ifta’–Basilan), and the Katilingbanong Pamahandi sa Mindanaw Foundation Inc.

Hataman summed up the program’s vision: “The goal is clear — a PAGBANTA-FREE Basilan, where Muslims, Christians and Indigenous peoples live safely, with dignity and hope. Through faith, open dialogue, and cooperation, the community itself can drive and sustain peace.”