2nd SAMMRVE delegates vow to boost fight vs radicalization, extremism

FILE: ASEAN (Photo by ASEAN secretariat/Facebook)

MANILA — Attendees of the second Special Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial Meeting on the rise of radicalization and violent extremism (SAMMRVE) have committed to implement an intense fight against these threats in the region.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy, who is also the Philippine representative to the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime being held in the country, said the officials will hold regular regional meetings to discuss the issues and how to stop them.

“At the end of the meeting, we committed to further intensify our efforts and strategies to counter these threats through the conduct of regular regional dialogues and consultations, exchange of intelligence information and resources, establishing joint operations, and engaging regional partners in capacity building programs,” he said in a press briefing on Tuesday at Conrad Manila in Pasay City.

“But more than these, we should be able to promote or encourage tolerance  of ideological differences in schools and the social media, among others, with greater focus on the youth and women,” the DILG chief added.

He noted that the meeting was very productive for having a consensus on how they will go about and deal with the challenges that the region may be facing involving radicalization and violent extremism.

“As we all know, radicalization and violent extremism are huge challenges that pose threat to regional and global peace and order and security,” Cuy said.

“The meeting provided an opportunity for ASEAN member countries to share their views and experiences in their respective countries in dealing with  radicalization and violent extremism as well as the rehabilitation aspect of these issues,” he added.

The dialogue is part of the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes (11th AMMTC) which aims to strengthen regional strategies and cooperation to fight transnational crimes.

The first SMMRVE was held in Malaysia in 2015.

Participants of the four-day event, which started on Monday, are ministers, senior official and delegates from ASEAN.

The Philippines is hosting the meeting as chairman of the ASEAN’s 50th anniversary this year held in Pasay City from September 18 to 21.

Meanwhile, the ministers are set to convene on Wednesday for the highlight of the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime.

“Up for consideration and adoption tomorrow by the Ministers are the following AMMTC documents: Bohol TIP Work Plan and the ASEAN Declaration to Combat Cybercrime, among others,” Cuy said.

“What is evident is that the ASEAN is further strengthening its cooperation and strategies to combat regional concerns. We acknowledge that there is strength in numbers, there is strength in collaboration.  We will continue working together as one ASEAN to promote regional peace, security and stability,” he added.

Aside from the Philippines, the ASEAN is composed of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.