Paving the Way to Peace through Peace Forum, Symposium

The Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) in partnership with the Municipal Government of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur and San Pablo PNP continues to pave the way to peace as it conducts another Peace Building Forum and Islamic Symposium in Barangay Tandubuay, San Pablo, ZDS on November 29, 2020.

Anchored from a peacebuilding framework, the conduct of Peace Building Forum and Islamic Symposium aims to inform and engage vulnerable communities to prevent and counter violent extremism.

Also acting as a means to conflict resolution, San Pablo mayor Hon. Danilo Taucan asked the active involvement of the community in peace building and sustainment, and in countering and preventing extremism.

Lectures on the Pillars of Islam, the Muslim identity,  and the true meaning of ‘Jihad’ — what others wrongly perceive as ‘holy war’ — were also presented during the Symposium, with Army’s 1st Infantry Division Chaplain Maj. Mujib Ladjabuan, Vice President for Administration and Finance in Cotabato City State Polytechnic College Professor Teng A. Alim, and Vice Chairman for DA’WAH & Masjid Affairs of Bandar Kutawato Uztads Ismael M Ibrahim as guest lecturers.

The participants, Army, and the LGU 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.