Davao City, Philippines — November 7, 2024
The City Government of Davao, in collaboration with the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO), Task Force Davao, and the Davao City Madrasah Comprehensive Development Promotion Unit (CMCDP), held the 2nd Ulama Peace Summit 2024 on Thursday, November 7, at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. The summit centered around the theme “Countering Online Radicalization: Strengthening the Ulama’s Role in Digital and Community-Based Peace Building.”
This annual event brought together scholars, clerics, and religious leaders from Muslim communities across Davao City. The gathering aimed to foster awareness about the growing threat of online radicalization, particularly as such influences have begun to surface in other regions. According to CMCDP Executive Director Alim Abdul Rhaman Caderao, it is critical for Muslim leaders to understand these digital threats, which can potentially disrupt the city’s peaceful coexistence among its diverse population.
“Awareness of digital threats and radicalization is vital, as it affects the harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims in Davao City,” Caderao explained. He emphasized the importance of educating community leaders on these issues to help counteract any divisive or extremist messages targeting vulnerable groups, particularly through online platforms.
Gabriel F. Nakan, head of the DCMAO and deputy mayor of the Maguindanaon Tribe, affirmed that the city government is committed to ensuring that the Muslim community remains both well-informed and well-represented in discussions concerning peace and security. “We are here to ensure the Muslim community is active and informed, especially in issues that directly impact them,” Nakan said.
The Ulama Peace Summit is part of a series of initiatives designed to bolster the role of the Muslim community in maintaining peace and order in Davao City. Organizers envision that the event will foster collaboration among community leaders, law enforcement, and government representatives, helping to fortify a resilient community prepared to address the challenges of digital radicalization and misinformation.
This year’s summit underscores Davao City’s proactive stance in addressing online threats, reflecting the broader goal of a unified, peaceful community that is both digitally aware and committed to preserving harmony across diverse religious and ethnic groups.
