Eastmincom conducts multi-sectoral forum

EASTERN Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) conducted last October 6 the 2nd Multi-sectoral Forum on Preventing Violent Extremism at San Lorenzo Ruiz Formation Center, Butuan City designed to create dialogue with different stakeholders on pressing security issues in Mindanao.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom Public Information Officer (PIO), said that the forum gathered representatives from various sectors in Caraga Region through the coordination with the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development to further raise awareness on the issue of violent extremism.

The participants of the activity came from various sectors such as the youth, security, religious, academe, Bangsamoro, Indigenous Peoples and other sectors.

“The Forum is part of the continuing activity of Eastern Mindanao Command in sustaining peace while preventing violent extremism in its area of responsibility,” Balagtey said.

Last August 23, 2017, Eastmincom also conducted the first leg in Davao City at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases “to educate, aware, and draw input and support from various sectors in Davao Region to develop programs and activities in preventing extremism through the context of whole of nation approach.”

Meanwhile, there were three resource speakers who discussed the topics on how to prevent extremism in the country. These include Dr. Mark Anthony Torres of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao based in Mindanao State UniversityIligan who discussed the general perspective of Violent Extremism, the “push and pull” factors, Marawi perspective, and some recommendations based on the institution’s research.