RELIGIOUS-MILITARY ADVISORY COUNCIL. Brig. Gen. Camilo Balutan, Western Mindanao Command deputy commander for operations, congratulates the members of the Religious-Military Advisory Council, organized during the two-day religious leader's forum from July 22-23, 2020 at the Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga City. The council will serve as consultants of Westmincom in the campaign against terror and violent extremism. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY--The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and various religious leaders have organized the Religious-Military Advisory Council (RMAC) to address violent extremism and terrorism in this part of the country.
Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said Friday the advisory body was organized during the two-day religious leaders’ forum held at the La Solidaridad Clubhouse of Westmincom that started on Wednesday.
Encinas said RMAC officials will serve as the consultants and advisers of Westmincom in its anti-terror and security campaigns.
During the forum, which was also attended by police officials, Encinas said the participants crafted a mechanism for religious leaders to take an active role in combating violent extremism and terrorism in the region.
“This forum yielded stronger partnership between the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the religious leaders in the promotion of common good and aspirations,” said Shiek Abdulwakil Kasim, chairperson of the ULAMA Council of Zamboanga Peninsula who was elected RMAC chairperson.
Brig. Gen. Camilo Balutan, Westmincom deputy commander for operations, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the culminating activity of the forum, said the creation of RMAC will be the key in addressing the problems of the society towards the achievement of peace and progress.
“Through this religious forum, we have strengthened our bond and identified the gaps and root causes of terrorism,” Balutan said.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of WestminCom, also thanked the participants for responding positively to the command's invitation.
“Security is a shared responsibility. It entails sustainment of partnership between the military and the different sectors of the society,” Sobejana said. “Let us continue to unite all our efforts to resolve conflicts and win lasting peace for our future generations.” (PNA)
