Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. assured continued support for the peace and development projects of Basilan province.

Abalos made the vow during the celebration of the Kalasig-lasigan Festival in the province’s Sumisip town on April 14, the DILG said in a news release Wednesday.

During the event, Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman Salliman and Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman also presented to Abalos some 300 former Abu Sayyaf members who had returned to the fold of the law.

“Ipinatupad na ninyo ang mga programa ng pamahalaan at susunod na ang full development ng Basilan lalo na ang (bayan ng ) Sumisip. Importante iyon at tutulong ako sa inyo. Sa totoo lang napakaganda ng Basilan, ng Sumisip (You have already implemented the government’s programs and I’m sure the full development of Basilan will follow. This is important and I will help you on this. In fact, Basilan and Sumisip are so beautiful),” Abalos said.

He also vowed to support the construction of airports, seaports and other vital infrastructure projects in the province.

“Peace is not just for one day, peace is a continuing process. It is about courage to face adversity and resilience to face challenges. Naniniwala ako sa kabutihang loob ng bawat isa sa inyo para sa kapayapaan ng Basilan at ng Sumisip (I believe in the goodness of everyone here for peace to prosper in Basilan and Sumisip),” he added.

He also commended Hataman for good local governance practices in Sumisip, which has been proven by the five Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards it has received in the past years.

Abalos also hailed Salliman for bringing peace and development to the province. (PNA)