Sarangani, he said, “is one of the provinces that have embarked on a very productive and effective PCVE program.”

Oplan KAPANALIG or KApag PAlaging NAndiyan kayo ay LIGtas is an approach embarking a whole of nation concept of promoting awareness in the prevention and countering of violent extremism.

Oplan KAPANALIG, Macario said, “is an offshoot of the executive course on security peace and development attended by the security forces wherein the essence of awareness and capability building is to be able to do an intervention and approaches that will respond to the threats that will encourage people’s involvement.”

In this approach, he recognized the crucial role of the provincial governments in providing the general direction for the national government on PCVE in terms on the crafting policies and programming on the prevention against violent extremism.

The bulk of the challenge on PCVE rests on the local chief executives “because some of the legitimate issues embark on governance.”

In a message, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said “OPLAN KAPANALIG is a clear sign that (our) LGUs and law enforcement agencies are heeding the call of PCVE.”

Definitely, he said, it will benefit the peace and order situation in Sarangani and the rest of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region in restoring vulnerable and conflict areas and transforming them to safe and thriving communities. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE)