NewsWomen and Martial Law: 6th Infantry Division briefs PCID and ICAN

 

Col. Sugarol of the 6th Infantry Division briefed the members of PCID and ICAN on the situation of Martial Law in Mindanao. According to him, it is very different from the Martial Law imposed by the Marcos Regime, since government machineries are still fully-functioning. Checkpoints have also been placed to prevent movement and entry of firearms, and in these checkpoints, discipline is expected from any rank, encouraging the members of the armed forces to act “friendly”.

Ms. Sanam Anderlini of ICAN then discussed their projects and the nature of their work, highlighting their efforts on the radicalization of young women. For example, in Pakistan, they have provided psycho-social support and religious literacy trainings to young women in order to make them more resilient from extremist recruitment. The role of women in conflict areas was also discussed by Ms. Sanam, since vulnerable women are approached and trained by extremists to become recruiters themselves.

The issue of addressing social and economic problems in the area was also discussed in the meeting. According to Lt. Col. Abo, 6ID have been keeping in touch with religious advisers in order to counter extremist recruitment. In fact, they have organized the first Muslim Mindanao Religious Summit. Ms. Sanam then suggested addressing religion and faith through positive actions, like donating blood instead of harming others in the name of religion.