The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) joined the Philippine delegation to the sixth regionally focused training course on countering violent extremism (CVE) at Intercontinental Mid Plaza Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia on March 10-12, 2015.

Organized by the European Union (EU), the training is meant for non-CVE experts to increase understanding of CVE concept and provide method, tools and approaches to design and implement CVE programming with a distinct operational focus.

Engr. Windel Diangcalan, Head of BDA Program Division represented the BDA in the said training.

Colin Crooks, Acting Head of EU Delegation to Indonesia welcomed the 40 participants from Southeast Asia that include the host country, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor Leste and the Philippines.

“This is another milestone for EU’s work to counter violent extremism”, Crooks said. He further said that most of the victims of violent extremism leave in Asia and Africa. “There are seven (7) killed in every hour”, he stressed.

Started in 2013, the previous five regional workshops were held in East Africa, West Africa, North Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

It was noted the BDA chairman Dr. SaffrullahDipatuan was also attended the same workshop for the Middle East audience held in Dubai last year.

According to this year’s course director Dr. Afzal Ashraf, “CVE measures should aim to build trust in government and institution, demonstrate that narratives of exclusion or repression are false, and promote dialogue among or between communities”.

Crooks assured the EU support to counter violent extremism in Asia within borders and beyond. Though, Dr Ashraf elaborated that CVE is different from counter terrorism.

In behalf of the EU, Crooks appreciated the effort of the participants from the region to actively take part in this training course. “Your contribution can certainly make a major difference”, he ended.

Other delegates came from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and Mindanao-based state college.