EU: Philippines 'well-equipped' to contain radicalization

MANILA, Philippines - Amid longstanding terrorism issues in the Philippines, the European Union (EU) believes the country can stop individuals from adopting extremist ideals at the community level.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux said Thursday that the country has already exhibited a capability to develop a "peace architecture" that allows dialogue within civil society to thrive.

"Radicalization that can lead to acts of terrorism is best contained at a level closest to the most vulnerable individuals. It requires close cooperation with local authorities and civil society," Ledoux said in a security forum. "The Philippines is well equipped to meet this challenge."

Ledoux cited the Armed Forces' "peaceful approach" and sensitivity to needs of communities as well as the Philippine government's skill to peacefully engage parties and promote reconciliation.

More vigilance, however, is needed as terror threats persist despite significant gains toward peace, such as the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Ledoux said.

"So long as armed violence is a way of life in Mindanao, there will always be the threat of radical terror groups using the region to further the cause," he said.

He said terrorist radicalization and recruitment are not only due to faith or political ideology, but "individual circumstances" such as poverty, poor protection of fundamental rights, lack of cultural dialogue and integration and presence of discrimination.

"One of the best ways to [guard against radicalization] in the Philippines, in my view, is to ensure that commitments to peace are honored, and that the mechanisms for peace-building and normalization are developed and activated smoothly," Ledoux said, referring to a steady implementation of the Bangsamoro deal.

He said that the normalization process under the upcoming Bangsamoro region is crucial to create a culture of peace.

"Particular attention needs to be paid to the elements of normalization that aims to turn the region, communities and individuals away from using violence to achieve political ends," the ambassador said.

The EU has supported the peace process for decades. In recent years, the EU with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has implemented a program in the Philippines to improve efficiency in addressing terrorism and radicalization and their funding methods.

"The EU will continue to support the Mindanao peace process, while the core of the action on avoiding radicalization and recruitment is, and should remain, at national level," Ledoux said.