Published on: June 27, 2023 | Written By: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Zamboanga Peninsula – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX took the lead in organizing the 2023 Roll-Out Training on the Localized National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP PCVE) Module. 

This training was conducted at different locations within Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga del Norte on June 05-06, 2023, Zamboanga City and Isabela City on June 08, 2023, and Zamboanga del Sur on June 14-16, 2023.

The primary objective of the training was to familiarize participants with the NAP PCVE, emphasizing its legal mandate and promoting a proactive approach to address the increasing threat of violent extremism.The primary objective of the training was to familiarize participants with the NAP PCVE, emphasizing its legal mandate and promoting a proactive approach to address the increasing threat of violent extremism.

Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), represents a holistic approach that focuses on tackling the underlying causes and patterns of violent extremism. Its main goal is to prevent the emergence of violent extremism and effectively combat its propagation. PCVE strategies encompass various actions such as engaging communities, providing education, facilitating deradicalization and fostering social unity, building resilience, and empowering communities to actively oppose and reject violent extremist ideologies and behaviors. 

The training began on June 05-06, 2023, in Zamboanga del Norte, where Provincial Director (PD) Oliver B. Ombos delivered the opening message. This phase of the training involved the active participation of 20 barangays from Sindangan and Salug, with three representatives from each barangay, resulting in a total of 120 participants. To ensure valuable discussions during the training, knowledgeable resource persons like PMaj Robert E. Agda and P/CAPT Leo F. Suan shared their expertise. 

Subsequently, on June 08, 2023, the training expanded its scope to encompass Zamboanga City and Isabela City. This gathering involved a combined total of 20 barangays, with 12 barangays from Zamboanga City and eight barangays from Isabela City. The participants comprised Barangay Officials – the Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawad for Peace and Order, and the Chief Barangay Tanod. The training greatly benefited from the valuable expertise and insights shared by Resource Persons PEMS Roderick Diaz Sindac and PMSg Panfilo Sabanal Domosmog, Jr. 

Finally, the training concluded its journey in Zamboanga del Sur from June 14-16, 2023, with the presence of Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Carmelo Enrique B. Libot and DILG IX-LGMED Division Chief Jose Ruel D. Trobanos. During this phase, 20 barangays from Pagadian City, Tukuran, and Labangan actively participated, with each barangay contributing 20 participants. PMaj Francis Briones played a vital role as a resource person, sharing his expertise and enhancing the overall training experience. 

During the training session, DILG IX sought the assistance of knowledgeable Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) V Mae Ann C. Tuden and Peter Paul Silorio. They acted as resource persons for certain modules, contributing to a comprehensive and diverse learning experience for the participants. Their active involvement proved essential in guaranteeing the participants’ holistic understanding of the subject matter.

The activity was attended by a total of 360 participants from different barangays throughout the region. This training effectively provided local officials with the essential knowledge and resources needed to tackle the increasing risk of violent extremism in their communities.  By promoting a cooperative and forward-thinking strategy, DILG IX seeks to empower local government units in effectively preventing and countering violent extremism, ultimately ensuring the safety and security of the region and its inhabitants.