WIA Episode 13 | BASILAN Part 1: A Reporter’s Homecoming (co-written by Ed Lingao and Gretchen Ho)

Located off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula, is the island province of Basilan. For most local and foreign travelers, this province does not usually make it to their travel list due to its reputation.
PART 1: BACK TO BASILAN
Basilan carries with it a heavy historical burden-a past marred by decades of conflict. The island has long been associated with war, crimes and kidnappings, shaping a negative image in mainstream media. However, recent developments have highlighted a surprising shift. According to the latest publication by the National Defense College of the Philippines, over a thousand extremists have chosen a path of surrender and reintegration into society since 2016.
In Part 1: Back to Basilan, we take a look at the scarred history of Basilan, through the lens of veteran conflict reporter Ed Lingao. After more than a decade, Ed returns with Team Woman In Action, surprised to find that the once muddy pathways he walked through, are now well-built concrete roads. If it took several days to get around Basilan before, today it just takes hours. If before, people disappeared from the streets as the sun went down, now the night bustles with economic activity.
How have rebels embraced their new lives as part of the peace process? What makes others reluctant to give up arms? To answer that question, we braved the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp in Al-Barka, to speak with Dan Asnawi, commander of the MILF 114th base command, where we witness rebel soldiers and government troops gamely play a round of voleyball. For the first time, visitors were also allowed to visit the site of a marine convoy that was ambushed in Albarka in 2007, notoriously putting AlBarka on the map in 2007.
At this site, the MILF rebel leader says Never Again, and Tourism, not Terrorism.
What was instrumental in breaking the apparent downward spiral of Basilan? What worked for Basilan, and what could work for other provinces scarred by war?
** Basilan Parts 1 & 2 are written by both Gretchen Ho and Ed Lingao with interspersing voices to give varying points of view and a proper side-by-side account of what Basilan was before, what it is now and where it seems to be headed.

[@RandyConsular]

"Malayo pa pero Malayo na"... Katagang mahirap ipaliwanag pero nakakaluhang tignan ang bawat ngiti ng mga kabataan namulat sa karahasan... sana patuloy na ang kapayapaan sa Basilan....Salamat Gretchen at Ed Lingao this is really amazing story... Goosebumps.......

[@carldsantos3023]

This made me cry…. The people of Basilan deserve the peace… Malayo pa… pero Malayo na ang narating ng Basilan…

[@jarryesllermonilar]

Nakaka tuwa na Ang Mga dating magkalaban ang nagpapatayan ngayon ay magkasamang nagpapatupad at nagbabantay para sa kapayapaan..

[@bmifinance6681]

L LL p

[@wmccinema]

Time will tell, peace and stabilization will be achieved in Basilan and the whole of Bangsamoro. Just like here in the Cordilleras back in the days, inter-tribal war until it ended with a Bodong Pact in Kalinga. Just like our Bangsamoro counterpart in the South, we the Igorot people also suffered from discrimination and the struggle to right self-determination.

[@acesrusselcloud5676]

❤

[@d8ngdeld8ng]

Ganda po ng Basilan. Very conducive sana for retirement. More peace and stability for Basilan. 🙏🏼🕊📈 Wow! More power to Doc Arlene.. 💜

[@gazitheexplorer2065]

Watching here from UAE, that's My motherland😭 i really miss it badly bonding with relatives and friends. We were separated due to crisis there. I cried kasi may pagbabago ngayon at sa tulong ng team ninyo maam nagbigay po kayo ng magandang Alaala sa mga tao at lalot sa mga bata. Shukran Thank you mam Gretchen and the team.

[@niketig8980]

MUSLIM CHRISTIAN AND OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUP WE ARE ALL FILIPINO PEOPLE AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE SO WE HELP OUR NATION BUILDING FOR PEACE ☮️ AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL.FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC.

[@Basileno]

Thank you for your kind words.😊

[@yakuzastylo]

Try antitsmo vs christian and islam ?

[@simonsamson9967]

Bullshit

[@thearcher7745]

Ang sarap panuorin na ang kapwa Pilipino ay nagkakaisa , nagmamahalan, nagtutulungan tungo sa ika uunlad hindi lamang sa probinsya nang Basilan kundi para sa ating inang bayan.

[@leacada8820]

Walang imposible kung lahat mag tutulungan. This is a story of hope and love. Kudos to all who are involved in this mission.

[@journeygirlletstravelandbe3666]

Grabe nakakaiyak, salute po sa lahat ng mga kababayang Pilipino sa Basilan. I really hope and wish to visit Basilan... sana mag total open na sila for tourism. Thank you Mama Doc for your courange and bravery to be a bridge for every sides to have peace in both sides. I really wish no blood no more. Lahat tayo Pinoy, nakakatuwang makita at marinig na kumakanta ang mga kabataan ng Lupang Hinirang. Para sa MILF and Military Salute po sa inyo. At para sa mga Pinuno po ngayon maraming salamat po sa pagkakaroon ng malawak na pag iisip para maging payapa at umunlad ang kumunidad. Maraming Salamat po Sa Lahat ng pagtutulungan ng Media,MILF, AFP, Military , Schools, Doctors at mga Pinuno. Sana magtuloy tuloy na itong kapayapaan.

[@Basileno]

Thank you for your kind words.😊

[@TheDIYRookie]

I remember thinking Anthony Bourdain's episode in Vietnam, which included former President Barack Obama was the best travel documentary I've ever seen until I saw this episode. Every single person that was part of creating this episode should win some type of cinematography award. Hands down, this was great!

[@mahdisulaiman3829]

Nakakaiyak manuod ng ganito as muslim so proud kami na payapa na ang dating kinatatakutang lugar sa mindanao

[@eutiquiorojo8697]

Thanks Ma'am Gretchen Ho, Sir Ed Lingao and to the Woman in Action Team for facilitating in making and remebering with good memories to all Basilan people. You did a good job po in promoting Basilan into tourism.

[@jhomabangis3660]

4 years ako assign dyan sa lamitan basilan, nagmomotor lng ako from lamitan to isabela city at makikita mo talaga napakaganda ng basilan. Napakagandang isla at kung noon kinatatakutan ay ngayon ay maayos na ang peace and order situation sa probinsya. Kakamiss ang basilan napakarami kong alaala dyan at gusto ko balikan ang mga kaibigan at mga ka brod ko sa TAUGAMMA. Salamat po sa pag promote ng Basilan ❤❤❤ napuntahan ko rin yung dulong bayan ng albarka pero puro kampo na ngayon ng SF at Ranger dun yung eskwelahan at police station dyan may tama ng mga bala ng 50 caliber sniper riffle na Barett.

[@adingjmmarcus7249]

CAP-S UTOL

[@adingjmmarcus7249]

CAP-S UTOL

[@jhomabangis3660]

@@adingjmmarcus7249 Salute tol isa ako sa pioneer member ng TRILEG BASILAN....

[@travelnapilipinas8205]

It's amazing how Basilan has demonstrated that peace is achievable even among people with different beliefs and values. They have shown that people can coexist without clashing. I strongly believe that achieving peace is possible, and I am optimistic that the recent developments in Basilan will lead towards a more peaceful future. Basilan's stunning scenery is worth exploring, and it's a place that tourists should definitely consider visiting.

[@kennypaler5174]

Praying for Peace and Progress for our brothers and sisters in BARMM. Isang lahi, Isang Bansa lang tayo.. Iba iba man ang paniniwala, Kultura, at pinapahalagahan.. Lahat nman hangad and payapa and maayos na kinabukasan.. Maging aral sana ag kasaysayan para sa mapagpalang hinaharap..

[@markragual4118]

Salamat sa pagbisita sa aming lugar na basilan ❤ #MalayoPa pero #MalayoNa

[@123fourU]

Amazing storyline from war to recovery to hope of eternal peace and order. I pray one day this will be achieved in the island of Basilan. Thank you po Gretchen, Ed and team for the excellent travel docu. Good job as always WIA.

[@Basileno]

Thank you for your kind words.😊

[@jenicayu1013]

Salamat s mgndang documentary nio sir Ed Lingao and team, kwen2 ng nkaraan at panibagong yugto ng mga kbbyan ntin dian s basilan, nkaka inspire nkakatouch mga taong tulong tulong para mapabuti at mlbago ang buhay ng komunidad naway tuloy tuloy tungo s kapayapaan at nawa ang gobyerno ntin ay patuloy na mg invest at tumulong para s ikauunlad ng mga kapatiran ntin dian

[@ronburdeos1246]

Wow! God bless Mindanao and its people. Salamat sa mga tao na nagsusulong ng kapayapaan. Sana 100% peaceful na sa Basilan. Peace to all mankind :)

[@katufojr6625]

Maraming salamat maam Gretchen ho isa po ako sa taga brgy bakisung kambog al barka sobrang saya po ng mga kabataan kung saan ako lumaki one love one peace maam mabuhay ang bakisung al barka mabuhay ang basilan at mabuhay po kayo #peace

[@najeebempleo9699]

Mga dating abs-cbm reporter ... good job maam Gretchen Ho and sir Ed Lingao

[@delunding6620]

Proud basilenio. Thanks for visiting my home town.. ❤Basilan Kong mahal..

[@bodadtv249]

Ganda ng episode na ito sa Basilan nung napanood ko nakaraam sa one pH malayo na talaga narating at iba na talaga Malaking pagbabago ng Basilan ❤❤❤ Halos LAHAT ng mga video ni Ed lingao napanood ko mga nakaraan dyan sa Basilan puro giyera Pero Ngayon nakakatuwa nagkakaisa na ❤❤❤ Ingatan nawa palagi ma'am Gretchen ng panginoon Dios ♥️♥️♥️

[@akosipolsu]

Huy galing ako diyan nung February para magcover ng event. Ang masasabi ko lang ay "Boracay no more" ang puti ng beach. Sobrang peaceful ng Basilan ngayon. Iba yung vibes pramis. Masarap magmuni muni dito. 💯

[@cycleoflife5849]

I hope one day, I can buy a small lot in Basilan and make my own small humble nipa hut abode and live there. I was so ignorant about the history of Basilan conflict and now thank you to this video, I gained knowledge. Hope to be there soon. Take care all of us!

[@dianecabading462]

Gretchen!! You are beyond amazing. Not all journalist can give such wonderful tribute to war stricken areas. Kudos to WIA for this! Not everyone can achieve this storyline

[@rochellecayetano4624]

Thank you for educating us about a side of the Philippines that many of us don't know. God bless your team always

[@DJRickValeOfficial]

23:51 Alam mong sanay na sanay na sya sa lugar nya, kudos to TV5 Veteran News Anchor Ed Lingao at kay Gretchen Ho ❤️👏👏

[@rachelobani6350]

❤❤❤ Kudos WIA! Thank you for bringing this documentary to us. Doc Arlene should be nominated for an award for her effort and dedication in reaching out to that community.

[@derylljaynemaqui6585]

Had goosebumps watching this cover. Thank you bok Ed and Gretchen for opening Basilan to us and showcasing its progress for all this years. Salute to all people fighting to finally attain peace, especially Doc Arlene, Commander Dan, to AFP, PNP and MILF. We shouldn’t forget the bitter memoirs of the past but we shouldn’t also dwell on it forever. This phase of Basilan is really beautiful particularly for the lives of the young and youth. May peace continue to prosper anywhere in this world. God bless us all. As-Salaam-Alaikum.

[@Zelkael]

Sokran ms Gretchen ho for covering this story of our bros and sisters in Basilian as a Muslim we truly appreciate alhamdullilah❤️

[@marjoriebohol3679]

Mama Doc Arlene is like the heart of Basilan. The Basilenyo is being united because of the good work from the kind heart of Doc Arlene.😇 I also want to commend Gretchen Ho for this project. You really are a Woman In Action. God bless you and your team. Hoping for more tourism and peace to Basilan.😇😇😇

[@poornarstv]

Doc Arlene's effort to the community is commendable. Very inspiring! Indeed, education is the best weapon for peace. Thank you Ms Gretchen and WIA team for this documentary😊

[@skeynerdrajah-muda8343]

Kay gandang documentary.. maiiyak ka kc ang layo na ng Basilan sa dati nitong kalagayan.

[@joeldelamerced]

Salute kay dra.arlyn sa napakagandang advocacy sa mga bata para mailayo sa karahasan. Pero kita mo rin sa mukha ni gretchen ho na meron takot kahit papaano sya nararamdaman. Posible na magtuloy tuloy na ang kapayapaan dahil sa bagong henaresyon na mga nakapagtapos na ng pagaaral.

[@chrisc3927]

Very inspiring, and refreshing. I am smiling watching this documentary. I also cried but it's tears of joy. I am hoping to visit Basilan soon together with my Family. Basila deserve peace and progress, Go go Basilan...

[@jeffanthonyrodoy2305]

Very inspiring episode...God Bless sana talaga tuloy tuloy na ang peace & love sa basilan at buong Pilipinas.

[@pusameow7406]

Kapayapaan! salamat sa istorya maam Gretchen. Solid ito yung vlog na sini-simulan at dapat tinatapos. Grabe yung learnings maam ingat po palagi.

[@gogeij9418]

Goosebumps. Ganitong mga documentary ang gusto ko. Salamat ms. Gretchen❤

[@howleme5903]

Seeing this makes my eyes tears happy to see my hometown prosper & peaceful

[@foxxysoul9502]

what a beautiful story to relive and remember! Hi to sir Ed! I met him during his seminar way back in college in UP baguio ❤

[@clydeevanampa5149]

Thank u mam Gretchen... what a very heart warming episode... we pray for basilan...lasting peace and development for the region...One L❤Ve...

[@dannynicart2389]

I've been impressed with this meaningful and sensible documentary. It's about time for the people of Basilan regardless of their tribes to come together as one for the sake of economic development. I think there are so many opportunities in the province just waiting to be tapped for exploration and development. The government along with the private sector can only do so much. It's ultimately the people who will effect change for themselves. Good job, Gretchen, and your team!

[@dodongdodong506]

Galing talaga ni sir ed di nakakasawa pakinggan namis ko tuloy mga documentary niya noon ❤

[@emimaevangelista7633]

Ayan po ang maganda nagkakasundo at wala pong away kaya konting hirap nalang po ang hihintahin natin at parating na ang kapayapaan at blesing galing sa Panginoon kaya huwag na hongagaway kasi ang gusto ni lord ay mag mahalan tayo at mag ibigan sa isat isa amen

[@milagrosramirez1929]

Hi Gretchen, please keep inspiring us and keep giving us information. I’m looking forward to all your episodes .

[@danteimperial1524]

So proud and so brave to visit Basilan to show how beautiful the Island Idol Ms Gretchen Ho...I salute!!!

[@mindaluzsaipuddin5657]

Heartwarming episode… we just pray for this region na tuloy tuloy na ..

[@user-qk9ss4gn8i]

Thank you for this inspiring episode. Kudos to Gretchen, Ed and WIA team. Can't wait for the next part!

[@TaurusBullTheWanderer]

You open my eyes about this part of our country .. every time I heard Basilian it’s always chaos but now it’s a tourist destination.. Thanks for sharing this video .. I felt the suffering but I felt the future for the kids .. cheers Gretchen.

[@monching2282]

Sana all ... Gretchen and Ed Lingao, this video documentary is worth watching! Isang bansa ... isang diwa!

[@neryjanequintana3868]

Hi po Ms. Gretchen... Thank you for doing this...Born and Raised in Basilan here for 20 years. God bless!!!

[@cherrymaey.quistol4519]

Wow amazing Basilan.. Hope peace will continue and more good projects for this community. Not only today but for the future generation will enjoy it. Sarap makita nakangiti na mga bata at ma enjoy nila yung young age.

[@anzelleadlaiwee2350]

Gandang episode nito hindi nakaka sawa panoorin salute to Ms. Gretchen and sir ed at sa asawa nya at sa buong team sana dumami pa yung maka buluhang episode gaya nito 👏👏

[@user-ms9jw5ht5v]

Salamat Ms Gretchen Ho! Naka ngiti ako habang pinapanood ang noong nakakaiyak panoorin na lugar! MARAMING SALAMAT SA PAG TATAG NG BARMM!!! ❤

[@kgonzales2606]

Grabe naiyak ako sa episode na ito. Kudos sa inyo! Salamat sa teachings and information.

[@kingchua09]

Thank you for this episode. Saludo po sa lahat, Gretchen Ho, Ed Lingao and Wife, Officials, Peacekeepers, and everyone po.

[@Oph03]

I love this documentary.Good job Gretchen Ho👏🏽🇵🇭

[@canoyarjie5547]

Nakakatuwa na napapaluha ako,hindi talaga imposible ang magkakaisa,sarap sa feelings kapag ganito na kalaking pagbabago sa lugar na dating magulo.

[@KENNETHLAMIGAN-jo6gf]

More content like this, Ms. Gretchen. You're such an amazing and wonderful woman. God bless you always!! ❤️

[@krishjmsr]

Teary eyed while watching this episode. Basilan kong Mahal ❤

[@ianflores6506]

Ang lupit ng mga ganitomg dokyu.Literal na dugo at prinsipyo bago nakamit ang kapayapaan.Saludo idol Ed at Gretchen.❤

[@charmingsaint_]

Thank you for this, WIA!!! A very inspiring travel docu. God Bless all of you. Kudos!

[@ligabriel2406]

Baby steps to One Philippines! Great job, Gretchen et al!

[@cathywongreston3550]

Thankyou Ms. Gretchen and to Woman in action Team for visiting our beautiful place, BASILAN. Nakakaproud talaga❤❤❤

[@its_gianlee]

How I wish my generation would see this and reflect. What an eye-opening series this is. And amusing to find them play volleyball.❤🎉

[@jsecong]

I'm thrilled for the people of Basilan that peace has finally returned to their land, and I'm hopeful that this newfound peace will endure. With so much untapped potential in the region, progress is sure to follow. Thank you, WIA, for sharing this inspiring documentary!

[@pearlyxtv2018]

The best memorable documentary stories of Basilan

[@mariafatimaancis7824]

Grabi!!! Ang galing ng docu.. speechlesss 🥹🥺

[@amircruz9161]

I am glad to know peace has finally reign in Basilan and Sulu. I look forward to visit someday.

[@zelgemini24]

Maraming salamat sa inyo ms gretchen sa pagtuklas sa mga tinatagong yaman ng kalikasan ng kultura ng basilan sa kabila ng masalimout nitong kasaysayan. Bilang dating sundalo din at nakatapak din sa lupain ng basilan hindi ko nakita ang tinatagong yaman nito noon sa lugar kundi ang karahasan at gyera na dulot magkakaibang pwersa sa bayan ng lamitan, albarka at sumisip basilan.

[@vedavyasadas5939]

Thank you for the effort ms. Gretchen and the team. Let's give peace a chance

[@janetamba6048]

I love how Gretchen delivered the story I watched 2 times n amazed ako dun s mga leader ng mga abusayyaf n nging leader n s gobyerno at taga pag alaga p ng peace in order at yung dting magkaaway ay nagkksma pra s isang hangarin n magkaroon ng kapayapaan s knilang Lugar

[@YelPV]

Galing ng docu nyo idol Gretch nakktakot pero worth it panoorin kodus po sa inyo ni Sir Ed Lingao and salute kay Doc Arlyn sa advocacy nya pra sa community ng Basilan

[@reguilsacriz3029]

Npaka inspiring tlga ang pgbabago ng basilan o magindanao.sana po tuloyn ng magising lahat at magbgong buhay na sila para sa kapayapaan ng ating bansa.ngayon ko lng npanood ito.Thanks God basilan will be tourism in the philippines.sana tuloyn ng ibaba ang baril .

[@carloculaton9304]

youre story is so inspiring and you are courageous keep up a good work and thanks for an eye opener on what happened in Basilan

[@Jeanvlogg]

Thank you Ms. Gretch and team sa pag bisita sa basilan❤

[@d-zaynextreme]

Best episode eto. Para sa kapayapaan ng Bansa natin. Salamat Gretchen and Ed.

[@cristineclairganab3529]

Thank you Gretchen,Ed and the WIA TEAM.For sharing this wonderful story of Basilan..Praying for the continues Peace and Love for the Basilan..This Documentary makes me cry..Keep making this kind of media platform gretchen.Always praying for your safety also to make more more Documentary like this!

[@lennie2138]

Salamat ay kahit papano my peace of mind na mga tao.sana yung iba ay magkaroon ng magandang isipan at panatilihin na lng ng maging mapayapa ang bayan nila..salute to dr.arlene isa po kyo sa daan pra maging mapayapa..sana tuloy tuloy na po.mabuhay basilan kahit na kmi ay taga NCR.

[@noreedee8892]

Grabeh ang ganda ng episode nyo po na ito...kinikilabutan at tumutulo luha ko sa napanood na ganito na pala ka peace ang basilan ngayun...although hindi ako taga basilan pero napanood ko sa balita noon kung gaanu nakakakilabut at takot ang gyera noon...sana matapos na talaga ang digmaan at sana lahat ng abu sayaf ay mawala na..dahil may nadadamay na mga sibilyan,,katulad ng pinsan ko this year lang nagtrabaho bilang security guard aa manila..kinulong dahil sa wrong identity dahil same name pero malayo ang agwat sa edad..kaya sana yung mga totoong may sala ang mahuli....

[@6269Josephus_Magnus]

Salamat sa inyu Bok Ed at Sis Gretchen Ho kapayapaan para sa ating bansa muslim man o Christian iisa lang ang watawat natin na dapat nating igalang ipagpatuloy nyu po ang inyung magandang adhikain kapayapaan para sa Bayan palagi ko po kayong sinusundan malayu man ako sa inyu sa social media ko po kayo makakasama ingatan po kayo nang ating Ama na taga paglikha

[@manuelcajuguiran9093]

Thank you for this inspiring episode. Kudos to Gretchen and crew.

[@Minecraft-bq6zz]

2:40 Ingat kayo lagi maam Gretchen, my idol WIA, enjoy and be safe! God bless

[@munirbatah5910]

My hometown ❤❤ I really miss it..thank you for sharing this..

[@bechayramos5478]

Nice documentary... thanks for showing Basilan to us.

[@icebox56]

This is so heartwarming. I wish to visit Basilan someday.

[@edlouiemarzon3256]

Ang Ganda ng kwento nakaka touch ng damdamin naiiyak Ako s saya ng kwento sana marami pang kwento tulad nito about s kapayapaan Thank you ma'am #Gretchen

[@hazelu3761]

Ang saya nakakaiyak ❤. Nakakainspire to contribute something sa society no matter how big or small. I will share my piece on this and hope it can have a ripple effect.. same way this episode did to me 🙂. Great work, WIA team.

[@laceglazsylasis2474]

Impressive docu gretchen.. and the team. Remain inspirational, the voice and eyes of those unheard and unseen.

[@arvintio1739]

Nakakatuwa marinig at makita na nagkakasundo na sila. Uunlad na nga malamang ang lugar nila. Sarap mamaayal jan balang araw.

[@gallardohayagan454]

Grabe as Mindanawan nakakaiyak ang past ng mindanao sana tuloy na ang progress ng mindanao God bless ❤ and Kudos ky mam Gretchen ho very brave to visit this place.

[@mariotalampas8944]

I truly love this.

[@leonardsy1462]

Salamat po sa isang yugto ng pagbabago na inyo pinakita

[@beigesavalvarinorhenz1355]

This program is truly inspiring💜💜💜

[@mariecabs4634]

so heartwarming ❤

[@rr5837]

Galing sana mag tuloy tuloy na.

[@user-wn3sd5cs4w]

congrats sa inyo mga maam na kaka iyak naman po dhl gsto niyo ng katahimikan po. god bless u po sa inyo mga maam! at sayo dn maam chen ingat po kayo lagi god bless u po always

[@jwenrochannel9873]

Ang ganda ng basilan & albarka... I hope & pray na maging mas maunlad pa more...

[@Nas_slim]

Worth it panoorin kahit mahaba, ganda ng episode

[@wanderingJO]

Kudos WIA team! Great vid and very informative. Luv luv it