NewsPCID Examines PVE with Australian Gov

Representatives of the Australian Attorney General (Counter-Terrorism Unit), Principal Legal Officer Laura Marson and Senior Legal Officer David Port, met with the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), last April 21 to discuss the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in the region.

During the meeting, Mr. Port reported the Australian Government’s approach on addressing violent extremism, as the Australian Government approaches the issue by ensuring three “safety nets”. These measures come in the form of (1) strengthening social cohesion, then (2) countering violent extremism, and in worse cases, (3) mobilizing law enforcement units.

The Australian Government is also countering violent extremism through community organizing, directing dialogues, and more importantly, addressing the individual problems of socially-isolated individuals vulnerable to the lure of extremism.

Like Australia’s preventive measures, PCID has been consistent with its efforts on working with Muslim religious leaders, especially the more moderate ones, who are the ideal partners to work with in PCID’s goal of preventing violent extremism. PCID’s work with Muslim religious members also goes hand in hand with organizing and providing capacity-building for Muslim women, since this effort not only addresses extremism, but also leads to women’s empowerment, giving PCID, according to Ms. Amina, a higher return on investment.

Lastly, the representatives of the Australian government and PCID discussed the push and pull factors contributing to violent extremism. Other than social isolation, clan loyalty, ideology, and economic factors, the very idea of establishing a dominant Islamic caliphate has been cited as a significant factor which makes extremism seductive for its proponents.