The provincial government of Basilan is pushing to convert the Sampinit Complex in Sumisip town – a former stronghold of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) – into a military reservation and to be declared as a “peace zone.”
Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman made this pronouncement after Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and other military officials recently visited the Sampinit Complex in Sumisip town.
“We want Sampinit complex to be converted into a military reservation for it to be off-limits to lawless groups.”
“We want that this area to be converted into a military reservation for it to be off-limits to lawless groups and be declared as a ‘peace zone,’” Hataman-Salliman said.
The Sampinit Complex used to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Basilan. It was known as “springboard for satanic acts” because it was where most kidnap victims were beheaded in the past after they or their families failed to pay the ransom.
One of those tortured and killed on May 3, 2000 in the Sampinit Complex was Claretian priest, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, who was then in his sixth year of priesthood.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped Gallardo along with 22 students and four teachers on March 20, 2000 from the Claret School of Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.
The number of students taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf bandits reached 54 as they also seized school children along the way while proceeding to the Sampinit Complex.
Government troops launched an assault on the complex after negotiations to free the hostages failed.
Aside from Gallardo, the Abu Sayyaf bandits also killed three teachers and five students.
During his visit, Vinluan inspected the 200-hectare lot donated by the local government of Sumisip to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which will be converted into a military reservation.
Salliman, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman, Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud, other local government officials, Col. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, accompanied Vinluan during the inspection of the lot.
Vinluan also visited the Mahatallang Roundball, a new highway from Mahatallang area to the adjoining Punoh Lumot and Punoh Timugen at the Sampinit complex.
“Their indefatigable service led to the restoration of this sanctuary.”
“I am personally elated seeing the fruits of our soldiers’ hard work and dedication. Their indefatigable service led to the restoration of this sanctuary. Rest assured that we will continue their legacy by eliminating hostility and bringing about the normalcy in the area,” Vinluan concluded.