CAGAYAN de Oro City — Families, schools and communities need to act early to keep young people from being drawn into violent extremist narratives online, a Lanao del Sur police official said.
Police Lt. Col. Salahuddin Basher, chief of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU), raised the call during the third-quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council on Sept. 30.
Basher said feelings of frustration, anger, alienation or loss of purpose do not automatically lead young people to violent extremism.
The risk comes when extremist groups exploit these vulnerabilities through online narratives that offer a sense of identity, belonging and purpose while promoting hatred and violence.
“That is why prevention must begin before violence; and prevention is everybody's responsibility,” Basher said.
Support starts at home
Basher said parents and families are often the first to notice changes in a young person’s behavior.
He urged families to strengthen communication and provide young people with support, guidance and positive opportunities to develop a sense of purpose.
Schools, faith communities and youth organizations also have a role in helping young people recognize manipulation and extremist messaging, especially on social media.
“Our young people need to know that hardship does not mean that life is meaningless, that anger does not have to become hatred, and that suffering does not have to lead to destruction,” he said.
Shared action
Basher called for closer cooperation among families, schools, faith leaders, community organizations and government agencies.
He said stronger support systems can help communities address young people's vulnerabilities before extremist groups exploit them.
The goal, he added, is to give young people positive ways to find belonging, purpose and participation in their communities. (With a report from Apipa Bagumbaran of PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
