Strengthen US counterterrorism capabilities against pro-ISIS militants

This project is fully funded. Thank you!

Your Impact

With the help of one generous donor, Spirit of America spent $12,830 to purchase 16 laptops and needed software for our partner force, allowing them to kick-start efforts to counter violent extremist organizations’ online capabilities.

This project is fully funded. THANK YOU!

Since the end of the attack by pro-ISIS militants in the Philippines, known as the Marawi siege, the number of extremist fighters in the country has significantly declined. In response, violent extremist organizations have increased recruiting efforts, not only in the south where the fighting took place but all across the nation. They capitalize on the quick access afforded by cyberspace to recruit fighters and promote their own brand of violent extremism. These ISIS-affiliated groups use the internet and social media sites as a platform for communication, propaganda, fundraising, recruitment, training, and radicalization.

Colonel Romeo S. Brawner, Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) Regiment, speaks to members of the US Indo-Pacific Augmentation Team. (Courtesy of US Embassy Manila)

The Philippine Army (PA) is working to offset these narratives by developing programs to monitor, clarify, and counter disinformation spread by violent extremist organizations on social media. A US team is working closely with the PA’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) Regiment on social media research and analysis to counter violent extremism during the cell’s initial formulation and development. However, the PA needs high-performance computer equipment to effectively monitor social media. Without these computers, it is impossible to characterize social media actors and counter the violent extremist narrative online. For these reasons, the US team identified this critical need to Spirit of America.

A member of the US Embassy’s Indo-Pacific Command Augmentation (PAT) Team provides training to a new Philippine Army social media monitoring cell.

The US Army and their Filipino partners know how important it is to combat this messaging before violent extremist organizations gain a foothold in isolated areas. With your help, SoA can provide computers and equipment to assist our Philippine Army partners and enhance the combined US-Filipino effort to counteract violent extremism and mitigate threats to regional stability.
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No endorsement of Spirit of America by the US Department of Defense, Department of State, or US personnel is intended or implied.

Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 20-1687786

“You don't have to wear a uniform to serve the nation.™” and “Patriotism without politics.™” are trademarked by Spirit of America.

3033 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201

Follow Us

No endorsement of Spirit of America by the US Department of Defense, Department of State, or US personnel is intended or implied.

Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 20-1687786

“You don't have to wear a uniform to serve the nation.™” and “Patriotism without politics.™” are trademarked by Spirit of America.

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