THE TASK Force Davao gathered around 160 members of the local Muslim revert community for the 2nd Balik Islam Congress 2026, reinforcing social inclusion, interfaith dialogue, and community security across the city.
Held on Oct. 17 at the World Palace Hotel on Ecoland Drive, the congress centered on the theme “Sustaining Balik Islamic Communities: Strengthening Faith, Nurturing Peace, and Building Resilient Communities.”
The initiative highlighted the critical role played by Davaoeños who have embraced or reverted to Islam in promoting social cohesion, preventing conflict, and supporting the city’s broader peace and order framework.
The day-long congress was structured into four major components designed to strengthen the group’s organizational structure and community engagement:
- Evolution & Current Undertakings: Presentations tracing the history, progress, and ongoing projects managed by the Office of the Balik Islam Representative.
- Vision & Mission Workshop: Interactive sessions where participants defined the community’s future goals, identified pressing local challenges, and proposed strategic interventions.
- Security & Faith Lectures: Special briefings on embedding the city’s “Culture of Security,” preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE), and leveraging faith for nation-building and inclusivity.
- Culminating Synthesis: Presentation of workshop outputs, sharing of reflections, and messages of solidarity from security officials and municipal stakeholders.
Key leaders from the local government, military, police, and religious sectors attended the event to express support for the Balik Islam community.
Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte’s message was delivered by Narina Romanda, administrative officer of the Public Safety and Security Office.
Also present were Davao City Police Office director PCOL Peter B. Madria; 1st District Councilor Atty. Luna Maria Dominique S. Acosta, chair of the committee on peace, order, and public safety; Region XI Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Y. Pasigan; 10th Infantry Division Imam CPT Abdul Cader; and four Muslim tribal deputy mayors led by Pamnikeren Latip Arumpac Jr., chairman of the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office.
The congress was facilitated by Kenny Lloyd L. Angon, assistant director of the Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia and Ateneo de Davao University, alongside youth leaders from Project NEXT.
Task Force Davao emphasized that sustained engagement with the Balik Islam community remains a cornerstone in building a resilient, peaceful, and inclusive city.
