Ex-Sayyaf camp in Basilan turned into tourist site

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December 4, 2025 | 12:00am

LAMITAN CITY, Philippines — A mountainous complex in Basilan that served as a camp of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group has been turned into an eco-tourism and adventure site.Military and local officials led by Gov. Mujiv Hataman traveled to Sampinit Complex over the weekend to promote environmental protection and alternative livelihoods as well as open a new site for adventure in the southern part of  Mindanao.

Hataman said the visit was part of an advocacy campaign aimed at protecting the mountain complex located at the boundary of Lamitan City, Sumisip and Maluso towns.

Sampinit Complex, recognized as the second highest peak in Basilan next to Mt. Ulayan, symbolizes peace and resilience, as it has transitioned from a site of violence to one of hope and opportunity, Hataman said.

He said the complex is now open to responsible tourism and development, following the issuance of an executive order, Sagip Kalikasan, last month to protect Basilan’s forest reserve.

Hataman said the provincial government would engage local communities in developing alternative livelihoods for landowners and log haulers who were displaced by a logging ban.

The provincial government is planning to acquire logs that have been transported from Sampinit before the ban took effect, for these to be made into chairs and tables for the Madrasa, mosques and schools.

Hataman said that local officials would coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment for the implementation of alternative livelihood programs for residents.

He said the DOLE has allocated P1 million for the implementation of community initiatives.

Hataman said they are focusing on agro-forestry and eco-tourism, such as the cultivation  of Arabica coffee, which  is suited to the terrain of Mt. Sampinit.