A Horizontal Approach to P/CVE

Al Qalam recommends a horizontal approach on radicalization towards violent extremism

The Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University is one of the pioneers in studying the root causes and drivers of violent extremism in the Philippines. As a research-based institute, we have invested our efforts towards this, along with our partner communities in Central Mindanao and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Amidst the struggle of the Moro fronts, extremist elements have injected its way to the Mindanao conflict narrative to advance their agenda. This contributes to an intensely violent image of the Mindanao struggle. Terrorist and extremist groups have been successful in portraying a barbaric Mindanao setup that greatly affected both Mindanawons and the peace process.

In this effect, Mindanao peace negotiations between the government and the Moro fronts found it difficult to gain public acceptance from the rest of the Philippines. In addition, the Islamic faith has been smeared in addition to the already generalized stereotyping of common individuals.

The incidence of youth radicalization towards violent extremism in Southeast Asia is also a local threat to peace and security. This is especially prevalent in many parts of Mindanao. Identifying this alarming occurrence, various institutions working in Mindanao have created their own strategies to counter negative radicalization.

However, the interventions seemed insufficient as incidence of radicalization continues to increase. Actions of such groups became national headlines - the Marawi siege, Bohol attacks, and the recent bombings in Central Mindanao are just some examples.

Through our series of research, dialogue and community engagements, Al Qalam Institute found out that radicalization into violent extremism happens due to top main factors: (1) Identity, (2) seeking belongingness, and (3) search for sense of purpose.

With these in mind, Al Qalam continued its research on radicalization towards violent extremism and into PVE/CVE initiatives. We have found that there are two approaches being applied in other countries in terms of P/CVE. These are the whole-government approach and the whole-nation approach.

A whole government approach refers to the joint activities performed by diverse ministries, public administrations and public agencies in order to provide a common solution to a particular problem or issue.

An important part of governance is communication. If communication is lacking, no amount of government programs and reforms will be viewed effective. The harder the reforms are, the harder to send the messages. This is because there is no consistency of engagement. Clear communication, therefore, is very important when you assess change.

In comparison to the whole of government, a “whole-nation” approach is partnering with business, citizens and other stakeholders to develop better solutions together.

The future of governance in a world of complexity lies in such systems-level coordination. Government is no longer the direct service provider but is a “lever of public value inside the web of multi- organizational, multi-governmental and multi- sectoral relationships.”

In Al Qalam, we recommend another approach which can be applied in our context. This approach integrates both aspects (whole government and whole nation) in what we call the “horizontal approach.” Horizontal governance is an umbrella term that covers a range of approaches to policy development, service delivery issues, and management practices. A horizontal initiative may take place across levels of government, across boundaries between units of a single or multiple departments or agencies, or across public, private and voluntary sectors.

Violent extremism is a good fit for tackling it with a horizontal approach. It does not fall neatly under the priorities of a single government department. It is a “government-wide” issue and a “nation’s wide issue” in that it has broad social and economic implications bearing on policy development across many departments.

A comprehensive approach to developing a National Action Plan towards P/CVE policy requires many partners to collaborate across traditional departmental boundaries and private sectors and CSOs. That way, we can bring forth peace in areas that need it the most.

Both the United States and China woo the Philippines for its vital location. The US however had always treated the Philippines like a mendicant that can be satisfied with a morsel. Jun Ledesma, columnist

JUN LEDESMA