The DILG R3 conducted a regional rollout training for Prevention of Violent Extremism at Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Subic Zambales last November 21-22, 2018 for 17 pilot barangays in Central Luzon, as identified by the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The activity primarily aims to intensify the awareness and involvement of local communities in the prevention of violent extremism. It oriented the participants with the reporting system process in case of suspicious or unusual occurrence in their barangay and spread the importance of preventing violent extremism.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government, through its national advocacy project for the Prevention of violent extremism is committed to raise knowledge and strategies on the prevention of violent extremism and to build the capacity of barangays, civil society organizations, and other key members of the community to help maintain peaceful communities, capable to resist violent extremism ideologies. Among the Department’s key strategies to prevent violent extremism is to enhance the engagement with the support to local communities by means of providing capacity building interventions that leverage the community’s strength and promote partnerships in the local level.

The new training program is a direct response to the peace and order problem of our country. It includes topics on Strengthening Filipino Values, Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism, Vulnerable Sectors to Radicalization and Violent Extremism, Community Anti-Terrorism Awareness (CATA) and Barangay at Pulisya Laban sa Krimen (BPLK)

During the activity, the participants suggested that in order to solve this problem, the government must also advocate equality and respect among each and everyone’s point of view or culture. The participants are also aware that violent extremism devastates not only peace, order and security of local communities but also hinders national development.