Social awareness key in fighting Isis, Catapang says

MANILA, Philippines—The top brass of the Philippine Military on Tuesday said the awareness for Islam is a key factor in fighting the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis).

General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, said that violence is not a religion that uses violence, instead one that loves peace.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. AP FILE PHOTO

“It’s more on social awareness telling the people that Islam does not advocate violence,” Catapang said in a media briefing.

“Telling people that (the way Isis implements) Islam is not how Islam should be practiced.”

He added that the AFP and the United States Armed Forces have an ongoing training to prevent the entry of Isis in the country especially through intelligence sharing.

“They can share their experiences in Iraq and Syria with us in helping to prevent the entry of Isis,” Catapang said.

Also, no Isis presence has been monitored in the Philippines the AFP Chief said.

Catapang and Admiral Samuel Locklear, Commander of the US Pacific Command, met on Tuesday in the annual meeting of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board to discuss the bilateral military relations of between the Philippines and the United States.

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