DLSP, CBCP deny harboring of Turkish terrorists in PH NGOs

Last July 13, Turkish Ambassador Esra Cankorur reported that terrorists from the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) were allegedly being harbored by Philippine non-government organizations (NGO) Integrative Center for Alternative Development Foundation, Inc. (ICAD) and Pacific Dialogue Foundation, Inc. (PDF), adding that FETO is now present in 50 different countries and is seeking to expand its reach into the Philippines.

In lieu of the reports made by Ambassador Cankorur, De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) President Br. Armin Luistro FSC and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) deny such claims, and support the said NGOs. Investigations on the activities of FETO have taken place under the order of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano last July 15. The NGOs assured their full cooperation in the investigation and expressed confidence on the falsity of such claims.

On ICAD and PDF

ICAD and PDF are currently managing the Fountain International School in Metro Manila and the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School in Zamboanga City in cooperation with private Filipino and Turkish citizens. The NGO officials expressed explicit statements of never having been a part of any terrorist organizations, or even the failed coup in 2016 allegedly instigated by FETO. The officials also communicated that as a secular school, they do not teach religion, which is in contrast to the religious social movement of FETO.

“I have never had any doubt that both ICAD and PDF are legitimate foundations that share our Filipino values of peace through education and a deep respect for our common humanity despite differences in cultures, beliefs and traditions. Both ICAD and PDF have been working quietly in their own way to build such an environment through their educational programs here in the Philippines,” Br. Luistro expresses in a statement.

Br. Armin also praises the two NGOs for their culturally-sensitive programs that provide holistic learning for both Filipinos and foreigners.

Last July 18, the CBCP, together with other religious organizations, also supported the NGOs through a press conference. The Church and lay leaders commended the many charitable events and projects organized by ICAD and PDF in collaboration with religious groups and the government. The officials also acknowledged that all these events were made to promote peace and understanding amongst different faiths.

What is FETO?

FETO is an Islamic, transnational movement inspired by Muhammed Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish preacher, former imam, writer, and political figure currently residing in the United States (US) since 1999. Gülen is part of Turkey’s most-wanted terrorist list and is accused of leading what Turkish officials refer to as FETO. US officials, however, do not believe that Gülen is part of any terrorist activity, and have requested evidence from the Turkish government for such allegations.

After a failed coup attempt in 2016, the Turkish government blamed the terrorist group and arrested thousands of soldiers and judges. In addition, over 10,000 education staff were suspended and the licenses of 20,000 teachers were revoked due to alleged affiliation with Gülen.

As of press time, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is verifying the presence of FETO in the country. In a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, he states, “We will investigate organizations abetting or aiding terrorism and will hold them accountable, especially those that may be working as fronts for terrorist and criminal activities, as alleged by the (Turkish) ambassador.”