AFP chief Gapay clarifies: Madrasahs not radicalizing the youth

Armed Forces chief General Gilbert Gapay on Friday clarified that madrasahs or Islamic schools are not radicalizing the youth.

"I never said that madrasahs are spreading radicalization or sowing terrorism among its students because I believe that Islam is a religion that espouses peace," Gapay said in a statement.

"What I meant to say was there are unscrupulous individuals wanting to infiltrate schools to do just that—spread hate and plant the seeds of terrorism. And this is what we in the AFP wants to vigorously prevent," he added.

Earlier reports said Gapay was criticized over his earlier supposed remark that the military is looking into various sectors of the community, including madrasahs, which could be the targets of violent extremists.

Gapay said it was never his intention to offend Muslim brothers and sisters.

"But while I am sincere with my desire to warn against radicalism and defeat violent extremism, I am mindful as I am concerned that I might have offended the feelings of some of our Muslim leaders, brothers, and sisters. That was never intended," Gapay said.

Gapay is also eyeing to have a dialogue with Muslim brothers and sisters to thresh out and resolve certain issues.

"As a gesture of our sincerity, and to further clarify the statement I have previously made, I desire to reach out to our Muslim leaders," Gapay said.

"We are one with the Muslim community in our desire to keep our country safe from the clutches of terrorism," he added.

According to the AFP chief, there should be a unity in protecting sectors in the community, such as schools, orphanages, and evacuation centers, from being radicalized.

This also includes coordinating with government agencies such as the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the National Housing Authority, Gapay said. — RSJ, GMA News