BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) is tapping Muslim communities in Negros Occidental in its campaign to thwart terrorism in the province.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of the 3rd ID based in Jamindan, Capiz, met with some 200 members of Muslim groups at the Benjamin Hall here Wednesday afternoon to appeal for their cooperation.
Aying said the dialogue is part of the Army’s initiatives to reach out to the grassroots, including the Muslim communities, to raise “awareness and knowledge” of the current security situation in the region and the country, and inform Negrenses about insurgency and terrorism threats.
These also include efforts to counter the proliferation of illegal drugs, he added.
Azis Mamasao, spokesperson of the Bacolod United Muslim Community, welcomed the Army’s initiative to hold a dialogue with them.
Without a “bridge and trust building and cooperation”, there can be no genuine peace, Mamasao said.
Aying further said, “Having understood they are members of the Filipino society, our appeal to them is to cooperate with us. And that cooperation should be guided by their roles and responsibilities and how we work together as partners and stakeholders.”
The military official said they don’t keep a list of Muslims staying in Negros Occidental.
“We don’t want to profile them. It’s the trust and confidence between their leaders, the local government unit, and the law enforcers,” Aying said.
During the meeting, he discussed Islamic State extremism and how Muslims would be affected as “they are also targets for radicalization, mobilization, and making them join in violent actions”.
Aying said he also introduced the idea of how they would become part of the peace and security resiliency infrastructure – from individual members of the community up to the regional level.
“Some of the Maranaos, since they are already here, they’re not Maranaos anymore. They’re Bacolodnons or Negrosanons already,” he added. (PNA)
* Stay at Home and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at
www.wirenine.comLinkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=112225.0
