Building Resilience Against Extremism: The Role of Religious and Traditional Leaders

Peace building Lectures

1. Building resilience against extremism: The role of religious and traditional leaders COSANIE M DEROGONGAN (DSC) MPA Director IV December 20, 2023 Watergate Hotel, Butuan City

2. Objectives To explore the role of religious and traditional leaders in promoting resilience against extremism. 2. To understand the factors that lead to radicalization. 3. To examine the vulnerable sectors in violent extremism.

3. IRAQ WAR

4. MARAWI SIEGE – May 23, 2017

5. National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism

6. Push Factor Vulnerable Sector Objectives of the NAP PCVE Factors Specific Intervention Pull Factor CAUSES: PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: Concerned Stakeholders Desired Outcome PEACEBUILDING NATIONAL ACTION PLAN CONFLICT PREVENTION Intervention Factors by Cabinet Cluster System

7. Push Factors Or root causes: 1. Poverty 2. Unemployment 3. Illiteracy 4. Historical grievances 5. Discrimination 6. Political affiliation 7. Economic marginalization 8. FAMILY FEUD (RIDO) 9. SECTARIAN BELIEFS

8. 1. Community 2. PDL with TRC and VEOs in jails and prisons 3. Religious Leaders 4. Learning institutions 5. Social media users 6. OFWs and Religious scholars Vulnerable Sectors

9. Objectives 1. Institutionalization of the NAP PCVE. 2. Involve stakeholders in the implementation 3. Comprehensive and People centered approach 4. Inclusive and Culture-and gender-sensitive 5. Uphold rule of Law, Int’l Humanitarian human rights law and Int’l Humanitarian Law

10. Factors by Cabinet Cluster 1. Participatory-DILG 2. Infrastructure -DPWH 3. Human Development and Poverty-DSWD 4. Economic Development DOF 5. Security Peace and Justice- DND

11. Religious & TRADITIONAL Leaders Religion is being used, in varying degrees and forms, directly or indirectly, as motivation, reason, or justification for committing violence to advance a cause. Muslim religious leaders during Marawi Siege were accused of dangerous ambivalence towards the Maute Group from their failure to be aware of the radicalization happening and the resulting to the destruction of Marawi City This showed the vulnerability of the Muslim Religious Leaders to extremist influence due to the varying streams of Islamic schools of thought prevailing in the Philippines. Religious graduates from religious institutions abroad imprint a version of Islam synonymous with where they were trained.

12. 1. Promoting Peaceful Coexistence: Religious and Traditional leaders can use their influence to promote coexistence between different communities and foster tolerance, respect for diversity, and dialogue. Religious and traditional leaders can play a crucial role in promoting resilience against extremism by:

13. 2. Educating Communities: Religious and Traditional leaders can educate their communities about the dangers of extremism and the importance of promoting peace. Religious & TRADITIONAL Leaders

14. 3. Combating Radicalization: Religious and Traditional leaders can work to counter extremist ideologies and radicalization through teachings and outreach. Religious & TRADITIONAL Leaders

15. 4. Providing Support and Guidance: Religious and Traditional leaders can provide support and guidance to those who may be vulnerable to extremism, including young people, by offering mentorship, counseling, and resources. Religious & TRADITIONAL Leaders

16. 5. Advocating for Action: Religious and Traditional leaders can advocate for policies and actions that promote peace, social justice, and human rights, advocating against violence, hatred, and intolerance. Religious & TRADITIONAL Leaders

17. "In the delicate art of peace, Traditional and Religious leaders are the master artisans , sculpting bridges of understanding and tolerance, casting a timeless legacy that echoes the serenity of a united humanity ." COSANIE M DEROGONGAN (DSC) mpa Director iv

18. JAZAKALLahu’Khairan