Fourteen barangays attended the training
on the prevention of violent extremism spearheaded by the Department
of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 9 at a local hotel from November
14 to 15.
“Hindi lang papel ito ng PNP, AFP, and
national and local officials. Dapat lahat tayo involved dito kasi
na-experience na natin ang Zamboanga Siege. Dapat may lessons learned
na tayo and the Marawi Siege,” Paisal O. Abutazil, DILG 9 Regional
Director, said in an interview.
These vulnerable barangays were
identified by the police as Labuan, Arena Blanco, Recodo, Baliwasan, San
Roque, San Jose Gusu, Sta Maria, Landang Laum, Landang Gua, Rio Hondo,
Mariki, Sta Catalina, Sta Barbara, and Bangkerohan, Ipil Zamboanga
Sibugay. Barangay captains were in attendance to include police and
military representatives.
Topics discussed during the seminar
include strengthening Filipino values, cultural sensitivity in the
Filipino setting, violent extremism leading to terrorism, vulnerable
sectors to radicalization and violent extremism, community
anti-terrorism awareness, and barangay at pulisya laban sa krimen.
One of the participants, Belman Malandi,
Barangay Captain of Sta Catalina said that they are conducting
continuous monitoring on their residents, and the tanods are constantly
doing their rounds.
However, he stressed that they cannot do this alone and that they need the support of the residents. (R.G Antonet A. Go)
Source of news: Daily Zamboanga Times