Political, religious leaders urged to help fight extremism

FILE PHOTO/ Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said they should establish and develop municipal defense through constant and close coordination with the military and police within their areas.(Photo: Western Mindanao Command/ Facebook)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A top military official has urged political and religious leaders in Lanao del Sur to actively participate in combating violent extremism.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said they should establish and develop municipal defense through constant and close coordination with the military and police within their areas.

“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 creeping already within our homes, our communities,” Galvez said.

“It could be right under our noses, we just might not have any clue that it is there already,” Galvez added.

He also encouraged the local chief executives to take responsibility in their respective communities especially on issues of security.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Westmincom said in a statement on Tuesday that the Lanao del Sur Provincial Peace and Order Council has proposed to propagate mainstream Islamic moderation, putting the resolution in the hands of Muslim traditional leaders, the Ulama, and the community.

“Opportunities for building the capacity of Muslim teachers in Islamic studies and religious leaders must be created,” the Westmincom quoted Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong as saying.

“There is also a need to review policies on recognition of the traditional Madaris 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,” he added.

He said this could be achieved if the traditional leaders, parents, and the Ulama take active role in ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are educated. (PNA)