Faiza lives in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur with her six children. She says her husband believed everything that the ISIS recruiters promised him, and exploited his desperation for peace in their community. He thought that this was the group that was finally going to make it happen.

Faiza didn't ask questions. She claims that she was unaware of the history behind the group her husband had joined. She says she thought it was just like any other religious group that claimed to be following the teachings of Islam. After realising that the group intended to use more violence, her husband made a bid to escape.

Conflict is a key driver of violent extremism in South-East Asia. In a region where there are several ongoing conflicts, it is imperative that governments support targeted and inclusive policies that differentiate between insurgent and extremist violence, and address local grievances as well as socio-political and economic drivers.