Gov't, community's role against extremism discussed in 2nd Lanao del Sur PPOC

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (August 27, 2017) - Local officials, traditional leaders, and security forces recommended the active participation of stakeholders and the commitment of the government in combatting violent extremism in Mindanao, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the measures on counter-terrorism were discussed in a meeting with the Lanao del Sur Provincial Peace and Order Council held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on August 25 (Friday) in Cagayan de Oro City. The council proposed to propagate mainstream Islamic moderation, putting the resolution in the hands of Muslim traditional leaders, the Ulama, and the community. Strong ties must be established by the government with the different sectors, non-governmental organizations, and influential figures as it rallies efforts to educate the Muslim youth and discourage radicalism, local officials urged.

"Opportunities for building the capacity of Muslim teachers in Islamic studies and religious leaders must be created. There is also a need to review policies on recognition of the traditional Mandaris and to adopt common regulation, supervision, accreditation, and standardization of curricula to ensure teachings and learnings are consistent with the mainstream Islamic moderation and practices," said Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong.

These ends may be achieved if traditional leaders, parents, and the Ulama take active role in ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are educated. Dr. Noor Saada, IAG research associate, presented a research on the vulnerability of the youth to violent extremism in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Saada said radicalization must be understood by determining its roots, the motivation and influence of recruits in joining violent extremism, and the characteristics of terror groups.

In his study, Saada said poverty, corruption, poor governance, personal experience of armed conflicts, alienation, discrimination, and delayed resolution entice the recruits, especially the youth, to propagate terrorism.

The PPOC meeting that was called to order at about 9:30am by Adiong was attended by the local chief executives of Lanao del Sur; representatives of the Sultanates; the Ulama president; Department of Social Welfare and Development; Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command; Brigadier General Ramiro Rey, Commander of the Joint Task Group Ranao and Colonel Ponio, Commander of the Joint Task Group Haribon.

Cpt Petinglay said the WestMinCom Chief presented a briefing to the attendees covering the comprehensive plan of the Armed Forces in its role on the 'road to normalcy'. Discussed among others were the stability and and support operations; rehabilitation of Marawi City priority effort; stakeholders engagements and the normalization timeline.

"We appreciate and laud the efforts of the local government units as they push for initiatives that seek to support the military and police in countering Violent Extremism in Mindanao," said Lieutenant General Galvez.

LtGen Galvez further urged unity among the Ulama, the Sultanate, traditional leaders and the local government units in the Province.

"However, we need to harmonize our efforts into one goal this time - to fix what violent extremism has broken and to prevent it from spreading and creating further destruction."

"We have to keep in mind that Violent Extremism is a global menace and it needs to be addressed by all sectors of society. It could be anywhere, it could be already creeping within our homes, our communities. It could be right under our noses, we just might not have any clue that it is there already."

He also encouraged the local chief executives to take responsibility in their respective communities especially on issues of security. He urged them to establish and develop their respective municipal defense even in the absence of their police powers through constant and close coordination with the AFP and PNP units within their areas.

Also present during the meeting is Undersecretary Cesar Yano, representing the Joint Task Force Bangon Marawi. Through his sub-committee chairmen, presented were the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation plan of Marawi City that are currently being undertaken and those which are underway. Agreed also in the meeting is for the Ulama to practice oneness and unity of their belief despite the differences of their individual learnings by making only one religious declaration during the celebration of the Eid al-Adha on September 1, this year.

Eid al-Adha, also called the "Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to Allah's command. The meeting ended shortly after noon time.