Basilan adopts US commander as ‘son’ during anniversary rites

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Abu Sayyaf may be bristling even more after its homeground of Basilan adopted an official of the American Special Forces as its "son."

Lt. Col. David Maxwell, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion of the US Special Forces, was adopted as son of Basilan through a resolution passed by the Provincial Board and Order Council and approved by Gov. Wahab Akbar.

Many Basilan residents think the adoption of Maxwell instead of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya will only fuel the anger of the bandits.

In rites marking the 28th anniversary of Basilan as an island province, Akbar said Maxwell’s dedication in helping uplift the island’s social, economic, and peace and order programs convinced the local government to adopt the American military officer.

Copies of the resolution were furnished President Arroyo, United States President George W. Bush and the US Congress.

Maxwell received and tried on the Yakan pez, a headdress for male Yakan tribe members, to symbolize his membership in the Basilan tribe.

According to Akbar, with the adoption of Maxwell "we want to project to the whole world that we are not as we are perceived – terrorists – in the whole world."

Akbar said Maxwell will also help endorse in the US native brewed coffee from Basilan, which the American military officer described as among the best in the world.

"Balikatan is most welcome in Basilan," Akbar said.

Maxwell, for his part described his adoption as an honor for the American Special Forces. He said his forces felt that they are all sons of Basilan because of the warm welcome showed them by the Basileños. – Roel Pareño