National Security Adviser Eduardo Año urged a united, whole-of-nation approach to combat the rising threat of terrorist grooming and violent extremism, particularly targeting the youth and vulnerable sectors.
Speaking at a strategic workshop in Manila, Año emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society to prevent these ideologies from taking root.
“No single agency, sector, or leader can solve this problem alone,” Año stated. “This workshop is a prime example of the collaborative approach crucial to success.”
He highlighted the importance of international cooperation and learning from global models while tailoring solutions to the unique context of the Philippines.
Año stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure a safe, fear-free environment for all Filipinos, focusing on inclusivity and community empowerment.
The “Top Management Strategic Communications Workshop” featured expert-led discussions on topics such as public awareness strategies, family and societal roles, and the influence of digital spaces on youth recruitment.
Recommendations from the workshop include bolstering community education, creating strong support systems, and enhancing international collaboration to dismantle the foundations of extremist resilience.
