Flagship government television network People’s Television (PTV) aired a TV special on Friday evening (June 9), dubbed “Countering Violent Extremism,” that discussed the root cause of violent extremism and suggestions on how the public should address it.

The TV special aimed to enlighten the public about violent extremism, and why Filipinos must stand firm against any forces that aim to sow terror in the country.

Actual interviews with people from Mindanao about their views on martial law and recent video footages of the terror war in Marawi were presented to provide eye-opening perspectives.

Major General Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); Undersecretary Catalino Cuy, the current Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Undersecretary Diosita Tutanes-Andot, also the Executive Director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP); Ateneo student Datu Amir Wagas, representative of mainstream Islam advocate Salaam Ateneo; and youth leader Ryan Oliver, President and National Convenor of the National Youth Commission served as panelists.

The panelists talked about major issues, such as the problem of terrorism in Mindanao. They provided insights and first-hand experiences on the current situation in Marawi, as well as recommended possible solutions to prevent the youth from falling prey to radicalization.

The forum likewise discussed whether social media contributes to the spread of terrorism, and tackle the role of millennials to fight radicalism.

PTV anchors Alex Santos and Princess Habibah Sarip were the moderators of the TV forum aired on PTV-4 and Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines) Facebook page. ###PCO-Content