Army holds peace and security advocacy forum

Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila – Amidst the emerging volatile, uncertain and complex security environment, the Philippine Army seeks greater cooperation with various stakeholders in addressing this phenomenon besetting the country. The Philippine Army, after the Marawi crisis learned a lot of lessons not only in terms of military tactics and procedures but as well as on social, cultural and economic aspects that in one way or the other, contributed to the proliferation of terrorism in the country.

Thus, recognizing the importance of preserving state security, the Philippine Army embarked in a peace and security advocacy program which aims to reach out and educate everyone particularly on the menace of violent extremism vis-à-vis terrorism.

During the recent visit in the 3rd Infantry Division’s area of responsibility, the Commanding General, Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista personally delivers lecture on “Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism” to selected groups composed of people from the academe, students, religious, local government officials, media and business held in Bacolod City and subsequently in Iloilo City. The activity was made possible through the effort and collaboration of Local Government Units of both cities and 3ID through the 303rd and 301st Infantry Brigades.

CGPA, in his lecture shared his thoughts and personal experience of the Marawi incident that resulted to unfavorable condition and effects to the country. He emphasizes that people should take seriously the incident by deeply understanding the nature of the threat and allowing themselves to be part of the mechanism that will help address its proliferation.

Towards the end of the forum, the audience was very appreciative and thankful of the initiative. Some Local Chief Executives present even pledged to support and espouse resolutions to strengthen security measures in their respective localities.

The CGPA for his part reiterated that, though it is inherent to the military to wage war and fight the enemy of the state, but on the other side, people should also be cognizant that security is a shared and everybody’s responsibility.#

Participants from various sectors posed with CGPA after the forum centered on Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism held at the Social Hall, Provincial Capitol, Bacolod City on 09 May 2017.

CGPA presents his lecture on Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism conducted at the Social Hall, Casa Real Building, Old Provincial Capitol, Iloilo City on 09 May 2017.