Basilan governor upends peace and order agenda

DAVAO CITY --- Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman is much eager to pursue the sustenance of peace and order in the province with the help of local officials, authorities, and his constituents.

In a brief interview during the two-day 3^rd ARMM Local Government Summit held at SM Lanang Premier SMX Convention Center in Davao City from November 30- December 01, 2016, Salliman said “I strongly denounce criminalities and illegal activities which make the province suffer for a long time.”

“We always say no to extortion and we have been fighting kidnappings over the years. There is no other alternative but to fight and enforce the law so peace and order can be maintained,” he said.

Salliman though emphasized one good thing when latest reports revealed that a number of Abu Sayyaf Group members have surrendered to local authorities and chose to live and be one with the call of the government for peace.

“This is certainly a good news. But for those who still resist to surrender, we will not stop our efforts to bring them back to the folds of law,” said Salliman.

Salliman added that, according to his assessment, there is improvement when it comes to good governance, particularly within the level of the local chief executives.

“With the development among our LCEs, we are now strengthening the participation of our barangay leaders so they could not be penetrated by lawless elements. Every now and then, we are having consultations with them together with the military,” he said.

Salliman said the provincial government is keen on its intent to fully develop and explore the agricultural potentials of Basilan.

“In as much as we would want to improve the security condition of our province, agriculture is also one of our top priorities at the moment,” said Salliman. (ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)