Basilan

Basilan is a province of the Philippines in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It consists of the island of Basilan and several smaller islets, located off the southwestern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, with the Basilan Strait to the north and the Sulu Sea to the south. The provincial capital is Isabela City, which lies on the eastern coast; the island also contains Lamitan City as another urban center.

Administratively, Basilan is divided into two component cities—Isabela City and Lamitan City—and multiple municipalities that cover the island’s interior and coastal areas. The province governs a predominantly Muslim population and a mix of ethnic groups, including the Yakan and Tausug communities.

History and profile: The island has long been inhabited by the Yakan and other groups before and during Spanish and American colonial periods. It was organized as a separate province in the late 1940s, having previously been part of a larger provincial jurisdiction. In recent decades Basilan has experienced security challenges related to insurgent activities and kidnapping incidents, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, which affected development and public safety.

Demographics and economy: The population is largely Muslim, with languages such as Yakan, Tausug, Chavacano, and Cebuano spoken in various communities. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing, with crops including coconut, rubber, corn, and bananas, complemented by small-scale commerce and services. Tourism is limited but local coastal and natural areas attract visitors.

Current status: As part of BARMM, Basilan governance operates within the regional framework, with Isabela City serving as the provincial capital and Bangsamoro authorities overseeing development, security, and public administration on the island.