The five month-long Marawi Siege in 2017 and its resulting humanitarian crisis was a manifestation of the increasing threat of violent extremism in the country, particularly in the Mindanao Regions. Rooted in a long history of marginalization, unaddressed poverty and lack of good governance in the islands, the radicalization of communities, with external support from extremists’ groups outside the country, has made violent extremism an intractable issue on a national level.

The Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE), in partnership with CODE-NGO and The Asia Foundation (TAF), sought to answer how the government can decisively address the threats of violent extremism (VE) and how should development sectors and community stakeholders respond to the issue appropriately.

During the learning session on the drivers of violent extremism held at the Ateneo de Manila University on 06 December 2018, speakers from TAF and the Ranao Rescue Team shared the results of their research, particularly their firsthand experiences of violent extremism.

Tiffany Mason, former member of the Presidential Advisory Office for Peace Process, recounted her experience as a hostage victim of the Abu Sayyaf militant group. She considers herself as the Christian counterpart of Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, Organizer of the Ranao Rescue Team, who led the rescue of many Maranaos to safer grounds at the height of the Marawi Siege. Tiffany and Samira’s accounts of how their lives were put in danger by militant groups showed that violent extremism exists and is not just an abstract concept. VE is a real phenomenon which greatly impact the lives of its victims.

Sam Chittk, Asia Foundation Country Representative, discussed the results of their research conducted in partnership with the SWS, which revealed what drives violent extremism (push and pull factors) and their likely recruits.

The researches show that women and youth are more vulnerable to violent extremism. Gain of power and prestige in the community, belonging to a select group of young Muslim heroes, adventure and romantic appeal of youthful idealism, and financial rewards entice individuals to join extremist groups. The increasing threat of violent extremism is present not only in Bangsamoro communities but also in other rural areas in Mindanao and certain provinces and cities in Visayas and Luzon.

Wrapping up the learning session, participants concluded that the following steps can promote peace and prevent violent extremism in the country: (1) Conduct dialogues between the local community among actors and groups in the community, (2) Strengthen the role of the MNLF and MILF and support PVE/CVE initiatives, and (3) Consider the conclusion of the peace process as a long term solution.