Official Website of the Provincial Government of Basilan

THE CREATION OF BASILAN CITY AND ITS LEADERS

In july 1, 1948, Republic Act. No. 288 created the City of Basilan. This act was authorized by CONGESSMAN JUAN S. ALANO. It first city mayor was NICASIO VALDEROSA who appointed by PRESIDENT ELPIDIO QUIRINO.

Mayor NICASIO VALDEROSA was considered builder of cities. A Provincial Treasurer, acting provincial governor of the old province of Zamboanga, mayor of Baguio City, first mayor of Zamboanga City, First Mayor of Davao City and the first appointed Mayor of the new City of Basilan.

The composition of the FIRST CITY COUNIL were: FILOTEO DIANALA JO, Chairman of the city council; RUPINO DIAZ, PEDRO CUEVAS JR. TEOFILO SAAVEDRA, JOSE PAMARAN, MARCELINO NAVARRO, LEROY S. BROWN as members. They served from 1948 to 1953 under mayor Valderosa.

When PRESIDENT RAMON MAGSAYSAY became the Chief Executive of the land in 1954, he appointed LEROY S. BROWN as mayor of Basilan City. He served as the second and the last appointive mayor of this city until December 31, 1955. The city was then classified as a first class city.

With the approval of Republic Act. No. 1211 amending the charter of the city of Basilan, the position of the city mayor became elective.

The first election for local officials in Basilan was held in November 8, 1955. MAYOR BROWN was overwhelmingly elected as the first elective mayor of the city. He was responsible for the construction of concrete bridges, notably the Aguada Bridge and the impressive Balagtasan Bridge in Lamitan, construction of public buildings, expansion of Isabela wharf, and many more, which benefited the people of Basilan.

He was the first and the last elected city executive of Basilan. He served uninterrupted from January 1954 to December 31, 1975. During his term, the city council gave birth to new breed of legislators and leaders from 1954 to 1975.

1954-1955 (Appointed)

Mayor : LEROY S. BROWN
Vice Mayor : EXEQUIEL DAYOT, SR.
Councilors :
1. PEDRO FERNANDEZ
2. JAABIL ABDULAUP
3. RUPINO DIAZ
4. PEDRO CUEVAS, JR.
5. TEOFILO SAAVEDRA
6. JOSE PAMARAN
7. MARCELLANO NAVARRO

1955-1959 (Elected)

Mayor : LEROY S. BROWN
Vice Mayor : JOSE LEGASPI
Councilors :
1. PEDRO PAMARAN
2. JAABIL ABDULAUP
3. EXEQUIEL DAYOT, JR.
4. CARLOS VALDEZ
5. EFFANIO ANOOS
6. SEGUNDINO MARIANO
7. JOSE SEUNDO MARTINEZ
8. PEDRO FERNANDEZ

1959-1963 (Elected)

Mayor : LEROY S. BROWN
Vice Mayor : EXEQUIEL DAYOT, JR.
Councilors :
1. JOSE LEGASPI
2. ASAN CAMLIAN
3. MOHAMMAD EDRIS
4. PURIFICATION ARQUIZA
5. RICARDO C. MON
6. LOYOLA GADAYAN
7. JESUS TABILON
8. PEDRO PAMARAN

1963-1967 (Elected)

Mayor : LEROY S. BROWN
Vice Mayor : EXEQUIEL DAYOT, JR.
Councilors :
1. PURIFICATION ARQUIZA
2. ATTY. RICARDO G. MON
3. MOHAMMAD EDRIS
4. ASAN G. CAMLIAN
5. LOYOLA GADAYAN
6. CIRILO GARCIA
7. JOSE LEGASPI
8. ELEGIO YABYABIN

1967-1971 (Elected)

Mayor : LEROY S. BROWN
Vice Mayor : EXEQUIEL DAYOT, JR.
Councilors :
1. PURIFICATION ARQUIZA
2. RICARDO G. MON
3. ASAN G. CAMLIAN
4. JOSE LEGASPI
5. FRED FURIGAY
6. JESUS TABILON
7. MOHAMMAD EDRIS
8. BOY GARCIA

1971-1975 (Elected)

Mayor : LEROY S. BROWN
Vice Mayor : PEDRO PAMARAN
Councilors :
1. ASAN G. CAMLIAN
2. ULBERT ULAMA TUGUNG
3. CECILIO MARTIN
4. BOY GARCIA
5. FRED FURIGAY
6. PURIFICACION ARQUIZA
7. RICARDO G. MON
8. RAMON BARANDINO

THE CONVERSION OF BASILAN INTO A PROVINCE

In December 21, 1972 PRESIDENT FERDINAND E. MARCOS declared Martial law and Basilan was affected due to the peace and order of the land. Many among the native raised arms against the government and joined the Mora National Liberation Front struggle for independence.

On December 27, 1973, President MARCOS issued Presidential decree No. 356, converting the City of Basilan into the Province of Basilan "to provide the close government attention and for the purpose of spurring its growth". Another Presidential Decree numbered 593 dated December 2, 1974, amended P.D. 356. The law not only defines the city territory but also provided that the capital of Basilan shall be the Municipality of Isabela. It also created ten (10) Municipalities to comprise the province.

Presidential Decree No. 593 was later amended by Presidential No. 840 dated December 11, 1975, reducing the number of municipalities to seven (7) in order to render its " territorial portion more complementary to the size of the area and more responsive to pacification, rehabilitation and total development of the province". The municipalities specified in the said amendment were the the following: Isabela, Lamitan, Tuburan, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, Maluso and Lantawan, of which six municipalities are now in existence. It also provided for the absorption of the territorial jurisdiction of the city of Basilan into the municipality of Isabela with its poblacion as the capital seat of the province.

THE LEADERS OF BASILAN PROVINCE

At this point in time under the New Society, Basilan had its first military governor in the person of COONEL TOMAS G. NANQUIL, JR., then the Brigade Commander of 24th infantry brigade stationed in Basilan. There were three (3) Vice-governors during his tenure as military governor. COL. NANQUIL serves for about a year and half. The composition of the appointed first Provincial Board under a military administration were the following:

FIRST PROVINCIAL BOARD (1974-1975)

COL. TOMAS G. NANQUIL, JR……………………..….. Governor/Presiding Officer
HON. ASAN G. CAMLIAN…………………………...….. Vice-Governor for Administration
HON. KALBI T. TUPAY……………………………...…… Vice-Governor for Peace and Order
HON. MOHAMMAD P. EDRIS ……………………..…... Vice-Governor for Development
HON. PEDRO C. CUEVAS ……………………….…….. Member
HON. ULBERT ULAMA TUGUNG ………………....…… Member
HON. JEAN S. YASIN ……………………………..…….. Member
HON. MARIO M. MAMANG ………………………....….. Member
HON. PIO A. DUMADAUG …………………………....… Member
HON. ROMULO LOPEZ ……………………………....…. Member

When Basilan was converted to a province, it has three regular municipalities, Isabela, Lamitan, and Maluso which are districts of the city of Basilan. Even when COL. NANQUIL; was appointed Military Governor, the city of Basilan was still functioning under the Mayorship of LEROY BROWN until December 31, 1975 due to its territorial boundary dispute to the province of Basilan.

The second military Governor was REAL ADMIRAL ROMULO M. ESPALDON. A tactful and able administrator, he was respected by Muslim and Christian alike. In view of what he played a vital role in the restoration of peace and order in Mindanao.

Due to his numerous functions and responsibilities as commanding General of SOUTHCOM, South Sulu Sea Frontiers Command, over all military supervisor of Mindanao, Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFP and Regional Commissioner for Islamic Affairs in Region IX, ADMIRAL ESPALDON could not possibly attend to his duties as Military Governor of Basilan. To this effect, he designated Col. FLORENCIO MAGSINO, Brigade Commander of the 21st Infantry Brigade as Military Supervisor for Basilan and Officer-In-Charge. His Deputy Brigade Commander COL. RECAREDO CALVO ably assisted Col. MAGSINO. When COL. MAGSINO was appointed Superintendent of PMA in Baguio City and COL. CALVO RECALLED TO hpa, col. Alfreo rillera assumed command of the brigade and became the Military Supervisor of Basilan. He was succeded by COL. SALVADOR MISON. COL. AUGUSTO NARAG, JR. later replaced him and the last was GEN. RODOLFO TOLENTINO, The first military with a star rank to be assigned in Basilan.

ADMIRAL ESPALDON was the last military governor of the province until December 31, 1975. Then came the civilian governor.

On December 11,1975, President MARCOS appointed then Vice-Governor for Administration ASAN G. CAMLIAN, a thrice-elected City Councilor. The composition of the first Sangguniang Panlalawigan under a civilian governor were:

FIRST ELECTED SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN (1975-1980)

HON. ASAN G. CAMLIAN ……………………………………… Governor/Presiding Officer
HON. PEDRO PAMARAN ………………………………………. Vice-Governor
HON. MARIO MAMANG ……………………………..………….. Member
HON. SAGGA H. ISMAEL ………………………………………. Member
HON. AVELINO K. ILIMIN …………………………...………….. Member
HON. ROBERTO A. ANOOS ……………………………………. Member
HON. KALBI T. TUPAY …………………………….……………. Member
HON. LAHE M. ATALAD ………………………….…………….. Member
HON. INOY D. OSAMAD ……………………………………….. Member
HON. RICARDO N. NUALIA ……………………….…………… Member
HON. PIO A. DUMADAUG ……………………………………… Member
HON. AUREA B. MAULOD ………………………………………Member (KB)

Together with GOV. ASAN G. CAMLIAN, the first mayors of the seven municipalities were also appointed they were: RICARDO G. MON, Isabela; PEDRO C. PAMARAN, Lamitan; JEAN S. YASIN, Maluso; HERMAN H. HATALAN, Sumisip; CANDU I. MUARIP, Tuburan; ABDUCA OSANI, Tipo-Tipo; and Lantawan Mayor HADJI MUTAMAD S. AKBAR.

In the local elections held on January 30, 1980, the first martial law, a huge majority elected GOVERNOR ASAN G. CAMLIAN. He served for ten (10) years (1976-1986). The first elected members of the board were:

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (1980-1986)

HON. ASAN G. CAMLIAN ……………………………………… Governor/Presiding Officer
HON. PEDRO PAMARAN ………………………………………. Vice-Governor
HON. ANTONIO S. ALANO ……………………….…………….. Member
HON. ROBERTO A. ANOOS ……………………………………. Member
HON. MARIO M. MAMANG ………………………...…………… Member
HON. INOY D. OSAMAD …………………………..……………. Member
HON. LAHE ATALAD ………………………………...………….. Member
HON. ISABEL K. GAHAPON ……………………....…………... Member
HON. MUHAMMADNUR HASSAN ………………...…………… ABC
HON. NASSER MUSTAFA ……………………………………... Youth

The first representative of the Federation of the ABC in the SP was YUSAN A. ISMAEL while SAHAK HABIL represented the KB after NASSER MUSTAFA.

The representative of the Province in the Batasang Pambasa was KALBI T. TUPAY, a former MNLF Commander who was among the first to return to the folds of the law. In the second election after martial law, however, he lost to a native son of Basilan, CANDU I. MUARIP, the first and last Yakan to serve as Assemblyman in the Batasan Pambansa until its abolition in 1986; the first and only Basileno to get a Cabinet Portfolio when he served as Secretary of the Office of Office of Muslim Affairs and Cultural Communities (OMACC) from 1986-1987 under the AQUINO ADMINISTRATION; and the first Yakan Congressman to represent Basilan Province in the House representative (1995-1998).

In 1984, Basilan has three (3) representatives in the Autonomous Government of Region IX; namely; ASSEMBLYMAN ULBERT ULAMA TUGUNG, Chairman, LTP, ASSEMBLYMAN SAGGA H. ISMAEL and ASSEMBLYMAN HUDAN ABUBAKAR.

ELNORITA PAMARAN TUGUNG widow of LTP Chairman ULBERT ULAMA TUGUNG became Chairman of Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook and later represented Basilan in the House of Representatives (1992-1995) after the term of Former CONGRESSMAN ALVIN G. DANS who served from 1987-1992.

Then came the Snap Presidential Election in 1995, after the famous and historic EDSA I People Power Revolution in February 1986 that toppled PRES. MARCOS and installed PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO to power, the Batasang Pambansa was abolished and all local officials were replaced. Due to the insistence, persuation and strong recommendation of SECRETARY CANDU I. MUARIP, President Aquino appointed LOUIE ALANO, grandson of CONG. JUAN S. ALANO, as interim governor of Basilan together with Vice-Governor PING A. KASIM, the members of the Provincial Board, the mayors of the seven municipalities and all municipal councilors in the province. This is preparatory to the local election in 1988.

The composition of the Provincial Board under Gov. Alano were:

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (1986-1988)

HON. LOUIE ALANO …………………………………….. Governor/ Presiding Officer
HON. PING A. KASIM ……………………………………. Vice-Governor
HON. ABDULGAPOR ABUBAKAR …………………….. Member
HON. HARISUL T. SAMANUL …………………….…….. Member
HON. MISKUDDIN TUPAY ………………………….…… Member
HON. ABDURAHMAN U. SAHI …………………….…… Member
HON. ANTONIO ENRIQUEZ ……………………….……. Member
HON. CECILIO MARTIN ……………………………..…... Member
HON. MUHAMMADNUR HASSAN ……………….…….. Member (ABC)
HON. YUSOPH SALI ……………………………………... Member

Prior to the appointment of GOV. ALANO, the Department of Interior and Local Government installed government Operations Officer PEPITO PAMOLANA as Officer-In-Charge of the province, through it lasted for only 2 hours. When the local officials filed their candidacy for the 1988 elections. MR. POE REYNERA and HJ. CALAMA IBAMA serves as Governor and Vice-Governor respectively. The Board Members appointed with them were: ISIDRO A. STA. ELENA, ABDULGANI ISMAEL, UST. ABDULLA BAJA, HASSAN HAJIRI, MARIO CABANLIT AND ROMEO BELOCURA.

However, Governor Alano did not make it in the 1988 elections but GOV. GERRY A. SALAPUDDIN did. In February 2, 1988, the first YAKAN GOVERNOR in the person of GERRY A. SALAPUDDIN took his oath of office and rose to become the longest serving elected governor of Basilan, (1988-1998).

The Administration of GOV. SALAPUDDIN SUCCEEDED IN PUTTING Basilan on the road to progress. The initial construction of the Provincial Capitol Building, trade mission to neighboring countries, joint peace and order development meetings improvement and rehabilitations of major and network, medical and financial assistance to the needy, loan assistance and livelihood program to new entrepreneurs and cooperatives, employees amelioration and welfare are among his noteworthy initiative and accomplishments, all these are under stewardship.

Basilan can be judged throughout the country as the only province where one can find a Yakan, Tausug, Samal Bangingi and Bisayan department heads working harmoniously in serving the interest of the people. The unique blend of culture in the provincial government is a legacy of his able leadership.

He is now serving the people in his capacity as representative of Basilan in the House of Representative, now on his second term, aside from authoring bills of local and national importance, he is now the First Yakan representative to become Deputy Speaker for Mindanao in the lower house.

The set of Provincial Members from 1988-1998 were:

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (1988-1992)

GOV. GERRY A. SALAPUDDIN ……………………………… Presiding Officer
VICE-GOVERNOR PING A. KASIM ………………………….. P.O. Protempore
HON. HUNASIL A. ASMAWIL ………………………………... Member
HON. MARIO M. MAMANG …………………………………… Member
HON. AHMAD U. PUYO ……………………………………….. Member
HON. ABDULGAPOR A. ABUBAKAR ……………………….. Member
HON. ADAM A. MUSA …………………………….…………… Member (KB)
HON. ANDIEL B. ASALUL ………………………….…………. Member

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (1992-1995)

HON. PING A. KASIM …………………………………………. Presiding Officer
HON. MARIO M. MAMANG ……………………….………….. Member
HON. NATO ASMAWIL ……………………………………….. Member
HON. EDDDIE FERNANDEZ …………………………………. Member
HON. PERFECTO ANTONIO …………………………………. Member
HON. SUSAN B. YU …………………………………………… Member
HON. ALEXANDER V. ESTABILLO …………………………. Member
HON. MISKUDDIN S. TUPAY ………………………………… Member
HON. NASSER A. EDRIS ………………………….…………. Member
HON. NASSER A. SALAIN ……………………………………. Member

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (1995-1998)

HON. PING A. KASIM ……………………………………… Vice-Governor/Presiding Officer

1ST DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER 2ND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER
HON. SUSAN B. YU HON. ANDRIEL B. ASALUL
HON. SAKIRAN HAJAN HON. MOHAMMAD B. ABDULLAH
HON. MISKUDDIN S. TUPAY HON. BONNIE C. BALAMO

HON. ALIH SALIH ………………………………………………. ABC Fed. President
HON. ALTON T. ANGELES …………………………………….. Coucilor League President
HON. NASSER A. SALAIN ……………………………………... SK. Fed. President

Republic Act. 7160 known as the Local Government Code of 1992 gave the Vice-Governor the power to become the President Officer of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, thereby separating the Executive function of the Governor and Legislative power of the Provincial Board headed by the Vice-Governor.

At a glance, it can be said that PING A. KASIM served uninterruptedly. OTOH FERNANDEZ, PERFECTO C. ANTONIO, JR., ANDRIEL B. ASALUL, NATO ASMAWIL were the longest serving members of the board.

In the interim governor, former CONGRESSMAN ALVIN G. DANS served for two (2) months as Governor in the later part of 1996 after the Commission on Elections declared him winner in gubernatorial race in 1992.

Another interim governor, former VICE-GOVERNOR PING A. KASIM served for three (3) months as Chief Executive. A complete, smooth and peaceful transition of power was made possible with him as Governor from April to June 1998. His administration ironed out and completed what was left behind by the previous administration and presented the Provincial government in a better position to the new leadership.

GOVERNOR AKBAR ASSUMPTIONTION TO OFFICE

GOV. USTADZ WAHAB M. AKBAR assumed office on July 1, 1998. He is a symbol of a dedicated and committed public official. He is the first from the many Muslim scholars to become Chief Executive of the land. During the administration of PRESIDENT ESTRADA, he is closed to the President and was able to bring millions of pesos for Communication and Health Services. Full implementation of Salary Standardization, Infrastructure Projects Food Security Programs and Peace and Order Programs in the province, to mention few of his various accomplishments. Described by many as "Super Achiever", tireless Chief Executive; he is responsible for the fast track completion of the majestic Provincial Capitol Building during his first term. The old capitol building which house the Provincial government for decades was reduced to ashes by conflagration on June 6, 1993.

The new Capitol Building, which was inaugurated by then President Estrada, will serve as the nerve center of all governmental operation in Basilan. A glimpse of those who served Basilan in is place at the lobby of the Capitol. The Memorabilia corner reflects the leaders who build the history of Basilan.

The composition of the Provincial Board under his term as Governor were:

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (1998-2001)

HON. BONNIE C. BALAMO …………………………… Presiding Officer

1ST DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS 2ND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS
HON. OTOH FERNANDEZ HON. RICARDO BOGA
HON. SUSAN B. YU HON. JUBAIRA S. SAID
HON. PERFECTO C. ANTONIO, JR. HON. HUNASIL ASMAWIL
HON. GREGORIO V. DELA PENA HON. ANDRIEL B. ASALUL

HON. HUSSIEN FRANCISCO ……………………….. ABC Chairman
HON. EDWIN J. IKLAMAN …………………………. President/ Councilor League
HON. MOUAMAR L. MUARIP ……………………… Pres. SK Federation

SANGGUNIAN PANLALAWIGAN (2001-2004)

HON. LUKMAN A. AMPAO …………………………….. Presiding Officer

1ST DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS 2ND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS
HON. SUSAN B. YU HON. NASSER A. SALAIN
HON. OTOH FERNANDEZ HON. JUBAIRA S. SAID
HON. PERFECTO C. ANTONIO, JR. HON. NOEL BAUL
HON. JAINAL AJIBON HON. ABDULMUHMIN MUJAHID

HON. MAJANG LINGGISAN …………………………… ABC Chairman
HON. RONNIE HANTIAN ………………………………. President /Councilor League
HON. JHOMAR MATURAN …………………………… Pres. SK Federation

In April 25, 2001, by virtue of Republic Act. No. 9023, which did REP. GERRY A. SALAPUDDIN, the people of Isabela through a plebiscite, author overwhelmingly ratified the conversion of the Capital Town of Isabela into a Component City. The province of Bsilan is now composed of one City and Six Municipalities.

In the same year , on 14th of August, the people in the Six Municipalities opted to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in a plebiscite expanding the territory of the Autonomous Region. Basilan is now apart of the expanded ARMM excluding the City of Isabela because its people voted against its inclusion.

In the last ARRM election on November 26, 2001, RAJAM AKBAR, HATIMIL HASSAN, HARISUL T. SAMANUL won as Assemblymen representing the province in the ARRM regional Assembly.

Basilan, a dot in the world map is now magnified many times over. The whole world is now watching, as hundreds of foreign journalists are on tight watch on the outcome of joint military exercises between US troops and Philippine soldiers.

Basilan is the venue for the BALIKAN 02-01 military exercise that involve hundreds of Americans soldiers and thousands of Filipino troops to combat once for all the dreaded ABU SAYYAF GROUP.

After 57 years, the Americans troops are back in Basilan Province. What will the American involvement in the exercise bring to Basilan and its people?

BASILAN indeed is a province to be watched.