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Joseph Franco is an Associate Research Fellow at the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He specializes in radicalization and counterinsurgency. His recent publications focus on the Southern Philippines peace process and internal conflicts in Southeast Asia. He is currently conducting research on terrorist networks and target displacement theory. Joseph previously worked for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in varying capacities: for the Chief of Staff, AFP and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, AFP. During his stint with the Armed Forces, Joseph conducted research on peacebuilding, peacekeeping operations, military technology and defense procurement, Asia-Pacific security, and special operations forces. Joseph was also part of the core group which conceptualized and wrote Internal Peace and Security Plan-Bayanihan, which is now implemented nationwide. He was also the lead writer of the AFP Peace and Development Team Manual that encapsulates a novel, community development-focused approach in addressing insurgency. Joseph has also written commentaries on lone-actor radicalization (i.e. Boston bombing suspects) and group radicalization (i.e. Libya) and if often interviewed by Singaporean media outlets on his areas of expertise.
Violence and Peace Spoilers in the Southern Philippines
The 27 March 2014 signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was heralded as the start of enduring peace and development in Mindanao. Unfortunately, spoilers opposed to the CAB remain capable of derailing the process. Joseph Franco explains some of the nuances of spoiling efforts as well as the prevailing socioeconomic milieu in the Southern Philippines that sustains latent enablers for sectarian conflict.
