Written by Hannah Monang
On April 28, 2025, the University of Baguio School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety organized a significant lecture titled “Understanding Threats: A Lecture on Insurgency and Terrorism.” This event aimed to enhance the comprehension of local officials and community leaders regarding the intricate dynamics of insurgency and terrorism. Participants included barangay officials from Pinsao Proper, Baguio City.
Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis Supsupin, an alumnus of the University of Baguio’s BS Criminology program and currently a police officer with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) in Camp Bado Dangwa, led the lecture. His extensive background in law enforcement provided significant insights into the subject matter.
The lecture’s primary objective was to furnish participants with a comprehensive understanding of the motivations, organizational structures, and socio-political factors underpinning insurgency and terrorism. By exploring these elements, the session sought to strengthen the capacity of local officials, particularly barangay leaders, to effectively support both local and national security initiatives.
A significant aspect of the session involved promoting critical thinking skills. Participants were encouraged to differentiate credible information from propaganda and disinformation, thereby enabling them to more effectively analyze and assess complex security risks. This approach aligns with the increasing recognition of critical analysis’s importance in understanding and countering extremist narratives.
Community engagement also emerged as a crucial theme during the lecture. Through interactive discussions and cooperative exercises, participants were motivated to forge partnerships with local stakeholders, enhancing community resilience and promoting multidisciplinary cooperation in addressing security challenges. This approach underscores the effectiveness of community-driven development initiatives in cultivating local solidarity and addressing grievances that insurgent groups may exploit.
