A TECHNICAL working group (TWG) composed of local government officials, religious leaders, as well as traditional leaders in Lanao del Sur was launched on Wednesday, November 21, in an aim to prevent and transform violent extremism.
Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur) said the TWG will be a policy-making body that will guide officials to combat violent extremism in their province.
He said it is a collective effort of the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, Royal Sultanates of Lanao and the Ulamas to create programs that will address the threat of violent extremism and answer the militancy and radicalization of the youth.
"We need to encourage the community to help out because we cannot just address violent extremism by using our state forces alone. You need the education sector, Ulama, traditional leaders to ensure that this is a community-based initiative, not only military and police," Alonto said.
Sultan Ansary Maongco said the initiative is a clear manifestation that the province of Lanao del Sur, has been "working, moving heavens and earth to prevent and transform violent extremism".
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra meanwhile said now that the war is over, it is also now the time to ask what really happened during the Marawi siege, why did it happen, and look for ways to prevent this disaster from happening again.
Gandamra cited the importance to educate the youth which he said, is the most vulnerable sector that has been lured to the evils of violent extremism.
"I always put emphasis to educate the youth and everyone else about the dangers of violent extremism and terrorism. This is why we are thankful for the provincial government for this initiative, countering violent extremism is not just the job of the government, police and military, it is everyone's concern," Gandamra said.
One of the initial efforts of the provincial government to thwart extremism is securing a fatwa declaration, stating that any activities of the Maute group is "haram" or forbidden, and is not part of the true Islamic teachings.
All the mayors of the province also passed a resolution declaring the Maute group, and all organizations affiliated with ISIS, as enemy of the Meranao people.