The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII held the first batch of the Roll-out Training on the Localized National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP-P/CVE) Module and Orientation on the Early Warning, Prevention, and Response (EWPR) to the Risks of Violent Extremist (VE) Groups. The event took place on August 14, 2024, at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and gathered key local leaders, including Punong Barangays, Sangguniang Barangay Member on Peace and Order and Safety, and Chief Tanods from targeted barangays in South Cotabato Province and General Santos City.
The primary goal of the training was to empower local policymakers and implementers to take proactive and targeted actions in preventing and mitigating the impacts of violent extremism. The event emphasized fostering sustainable peace and development strategies that are context-based, culturally aware, and gender-sensitive, ensuring long-term positive outcomes not just within the communities but across the entire country.
LGOO VI Ian Jon S. Clemente, the Regional PCVE Focal Person, represented DILG Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, and delivered the welcome message. Clemente stressed the importance of implementing Early Warning, Prevention, and Response mechanisms at the barangay level. He also elaborated on the NAP-P/CVE's legal bases, its contextual relevance, objectives, and key concepts, while discussing Lecture 4 on Setting-Up, Warning, and Responses.
Active participation from representatives of key partner agencies was observed during the activity, including those from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) XII, the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the Police Regional Office (PRO) XII. These agencies contributed their expertise to discussions on various NAP-P/CVE modules.
Police Master Sergeant Sarail Ismael of PNP-PRO XII presented Lecture 1, focusing on the Emerging Risks of Violent Extremists and the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP-P/CVE). Technical Sergeant Norman K. Pandian from the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army delivered Lecture 2, which covered Risk Assessment. Meanwhile, NICA XII Operations Officer Marist F. Cimeni discussed Lecture 3, which centered on Indicators and Conflict Issues.
The training concluded with a closing message from LGOO VI Clemente, the completion of workshop and evaluation forms by the participants, and a group photo session.