CAB seen to settle historic grievance

MANILA, Philippines - European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux sees the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as the settlement of a historic grievance that had fueled radicalism, extremism, and terrorism.

Speaking at the Forum on the Current Dynamics of Radicalism in Southeast Asia yesterday, Ledoux said the threat of radical terrorist  groups will always be present if armed violence remains a way of life in Mindanao.

Vigilance must ensure the full implementation of the CAB, he added.

Ledoux said radicalization that could lead to acts of terrorism is best contained at a level closest to the most vulnerable individuals.

It requires close cooperation with local authorities and civil society, he added.

Ledoux underscored the peace process as an important step to address historic grievance in Mindanao.

“The peace agreement signed in March has not only signaled an end to a long war, but also the settlement of a historic grievance that could easily fuel radicalism and lead to violent extremism and acts of terrorism if not addressed,” he said.

The new threat of radicalism related to Islamic State in the Middle East  “appears at a time of great hope and optimism in Muslim Mindanao,” he added.

Ledoux spoke at the Forum on the Current Dynamics of Radicalism in Southe.ast Asia in EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

Ledoux said the EU and a number of member states have contributed significant resources to support  the Mindanao peace process.

“But as many have said, we must remain vigilant, which means primarily that we must all make sure the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is implemented in full,” he said.

Ledoux said particular attention must be given to the elements of normalization to turn the region, communities and individuals away from using violence to achieve political ends.

“So long as armed violence is a way of life in Mindanao, there will  always be the threat of radical terrorist groups using the region to further their cause,” he said.

Ledoux said people who adhere to radical views   are susceptible to recruitment because of their individual circumstances.

“Guarding against this threat is certainly a national priority as no country wants to be seen as a source of terrorist activity,” he said.

“One of the best ways to do so here, in the Philippines, in my view is to ensure that commitments to peace are honored, and that the mechanisms for peace building and normalization are developed and activated smoothly,” he said.

“The EU will continue to support the Mindanao peace process, while the core of the action on avoiding radicalization and recruitment is, and should remain, at national level.”

Ledoux said the Philippines is equipped to meet the challenge, and that the peace process over many years has helped develop the peace architecture, skills and capacity of the parties to engage peacefully in negotiation.

In the last few weeks, the world witnessed new developments in the Middle East with the appearance of a new radical threat to security, he added.

Ledoux said Southeast Asia is not immune to the influence of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, particularly in the area of movement of personnel and channeling of resources.

The EU firmly believes in eradicating terrorism at its source, he added.

Ledoux said preventing terrorist attacks by stopping menace of radicalization, violent extremism and recruitment is a priority for the EU.

“Terrorist radicalization in this sense is understood as a complex phenomenon of people embracing radical ideology that could lead to the commitment of terrorist acts,” he said.

“Terrorist radicalization and recruitment are not confined to one faith or political ideology.”

Ledoux said Europe also experienced different types of radicalization and violent extremism, but that the vast majority of Europeans, regardless of their belief or political conviction, rejected terrorism and violent extremism.

“Preventing terrorist radicalization and recruitment will only work if we remain fully dedicated to respecting fundamental rights, promoting diversity, integration and cultural dialogue and fighting discrimination,” he said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano