Building Peace: Army, LGU holds Peace Building Forum, Islamic Symposium to protect vulnerable communities from extremism

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) and the Municipal Government of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur held an Islamic Symposium and Peace Building Forum on October 10, 2020 in Barangay Pampang, Lapuyan, ZDS.

The Peace Forum and Islamic Symposium is the step undertaken by the Army and the LGUs through the engagement of vulnerable communities to prevent and counter violent extremism.

The Guest lecturer, Vice President for Administration and Finance in Cotabato City State Polytechnic College Professor Teng A. Alim, taught about Jihad which means “struggle” or “striving,” contrary to what the mainstream people perceive as ‘holy war.’

The Army and LGUs in unison agreed that the solution to peace is not through terrorism or taking up arms, but rather through proper communication and understanding.

Women-in-Uniform of 53rd IB also wore hijab to show their respect to our Muslim brothers and sisters during  the said Peace Building Forum and Islamic Symposium.

Also invited in the Peace Building Forum was Uztads Ismael M Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman for DA’WAH & Masjid Affairs, Bandar Kutawato, taught about the Pillars of Islam.