Basilan: From war zone to development hub and tourist paradise
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Source: The Manila Times
Published: 2026-05-10 02:02 UTC+10:00
Section: General
Factuality Score: 100
Opinion Category: Neutral
Topics: Health, Property, Defence, Religion, Military & Defence, World News, War & Conflict
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Snippet:
IN 2001, Basilan became infamous around the world when the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) abducted 20 hostages, including three Americans, from Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan. The ASG entered Lamitan City in Basilan with their hostages and took over a church and a hospital compound. The military surrounded the ASG, then led by Abu Sabaya, and fierce clashes ensued.
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