LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Efforts to strengthen peacebuilding and prevent violent extremism gained momentum in Basilan as government agencies, security forces, and community leaders gathered for a Localization Workshop on Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PTVE) while parallel reintegration initiatives were carried out for former violent extremists across the province.
The workshop, held at Sitti Auna Riverland Resort in Lamitan City, runs from February 24 to 25 and aims to reinforce local strategies to maintain peace and ensure that Basilan remains prepared to address evolving threats of violent extremism.
Organizers said the activity focuses on developing more responsive and coordinated measures as patterns of radicalization continue to change. The Provincial Government of Basilan emphasized that sustaining peace requires a collaborative approach involving both government institutions and communities.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and other government agencies, highlighting what officials described as a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to strengthening unity and encouraging former violent extremists (FVEs) to return to the fold of society.
During the workshop, Ishmael I. Bahjin, head of the PTVE Program, underscored the rationale behind the activity, stressing the importance of ensuring that Basilan can achieve and sustain peace while preventing conflicts before they escalate.
Representing the provincial leadership, Provincial Administrator Manny C. Muarip conveyed the full support of the provincial government on behalf of Mujiv Hataman. He said the Provincial Local Government Unit is committed to working closely with national agencies and partners to eradicate extremism and sustain peace and development across the province.
Board Member Amin Hataman also shared his personal story during the event, recalling how he was exposed at a young age to the deeper meaning of freedom, peace, and standing for one’s beliefs. He emphasized the growing role of empowered youth in shaping a more peaceful society and highlighted that justice and development must go hand in hand in achieving lasting peace.
Local officials said that through strong collaboration between government institutions and communities, there is no room for extremism in Basilan, as the province continues to strive for a peaceful and prosperous future for every Basileño.
At the same time, security forces and partner agencies have been reinforcing reintegration efforts for former extremists through the Preventing Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) 2.0 program.
The 1101st Infantry Brigade recently conducted follow-up community consultations and psychosocial support activities for FVEs as part of the initiative, which aims to help them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives within their respective communities.
In coordination with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Basilan, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Ministry of Social Services and Development, the four-day activity was held in various battalion headquarters, including those of the 18th Infantry Battalion, 32nd Infantry Battalion, 45th Infantry Battalion, and 6th Special Forces Battalion across Basilan.
More than 400 FVEs participated in the program, receiving psychosocial support, financial assistance, sacks of rice, and boxes of goods distributed as Ramadan packages. Officials said these interventions are designed to strengthen the participants’ transition back into productive community life while preventing the resurgence of extremist activities.
Through the combined efforts of the workshop and the PAVE 2.0 program, authorities said Basilan continues to advance its peace and reintegration initiatives, reinforcing long-term stability, development, and community resilience in the province.