Council of Interfaith Initiatives placed under National Security Council

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has placed the Council of Interfaith Initiatives under the National Security Council, saying interfaith dialog is a key component in the country’s security and in efforts to forge peace with rebel groups.

“Interfaith dialogue is an integral component of the paradigm for peace and security of the Arroyo administration,” Mrs. Arroyo said in Executive Order 844 through which she also bared the appointment of National Security Adviser and acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales as vice-chairman of the council, which she chairs.

She noted that she created the National Committee on Interfaith Cooperation in 2007 to “consolidate, rationalize and ensure the consistency of the country’s policies and position in various interfaith initiatives” in and outside the country.

She later renamed the committee Council of Interfaith Initiatives (CII).

“The Council of Interfaith Initiatives shall be placed under the oversight of the National Security Council. The National Security Adviser shall be the vice-chairman of the CII,” the EO read.

The Philippines has pushed for inter-faith dialogue before the United Nations as a means to reduce terrorism and promote peace.   – Paolo Romero