WestMinCom proposes reform program vs. extremism

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) has proposed a new reform program to counter violent extremism in this part of the country.

Dubbed the Broad Reform Against Violent Extremism (BRAVE), the initiative was introduced by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, in a meeting Thursday with officials of the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) areas.

“The BRAVE adopts the strategic framework of the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) for

Peace, which depicts the interplay of good governance, law enforcement, and community participation,” Sobejana said.

He described PAVE for Peace as a holistic approach program that seeks to end violent extremism and bring about peace in the region.

Then-Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led the launching of the PAVE for Peace on April 17 at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion in Isabela City, Basilan.

Sobejana said BRAVE focuses on three objectives: eliminating the drivers of violent extremism; comprehensive mainstreaming of former rebels; and, sustaining peace and development in the

country and in the province, as a whole.

Attending Thursday’s meeting at the Sulu provincial capitol were Basilan Gov.

Hadjiman Hataman-Saliman, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael Sali, and Basilan Congressman Mujiv Hataman. (PNA)