KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – The Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) convened a Consultative Meeting early this week on the handling of Friends Rescued (FRs) and Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) with Pending Cases under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at Agua Frio Garden Resort.
The meeting brought together key national and local government agencies, law enforcement units, and peacebuilding stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and harmonize efforts to address concerns involving former rebels and former violent extremists undergoing reintegration into mainstream society.
Participating agencies included the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XII, the Department of the Interior and Local Government South Cotabato Provincial Office, the 1st Mechanized Brigade, the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, the 6th Infantry Battalion, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion XII, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group XII, the National Bureau of Investigation XII, the Regional Prosecution Office XII, the Public Attorney’s Office – Surallah, and the Office of the Provincial Information Officer.
The meeting focused on updates on FRs and FVEs with pending cases, the legal basis and objectives of the E-CLIP program, and the operational realities faced by implementing agencies in the field. It also addressed interagency coordination concerns, the legal assistance process facilitated by the Public Attorney’s Office, and the proposed integrated process flow for handling cases involving former rebels and former violent extremists.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Sonial L. Bautista emphasized the importance of unified action among agencies to ensure the successful reintegration of former rebels and violent extremists into society.
“Peacebuilding is not the responsibility of one agency alone. It requires genuine collaboration, understanding, and commitment from all sectors to ensure that former rebels and former violent extremists are allowed to rebuild their lives and become productive members of the community,” Bautista said.
Bautista further highlighted that the consultative dialogue serves as a crucial platform for agencies to openly discuss challenges, clarify procedures, and strengthen support systems for beneficiaries under the E-CLIP program.
“This consultation allows us to identify gaps in implementation, address legal and operational concerns, and establish a more responsive and coordinated approach in handling cases involving FRs and FVEs. Through stronger partnership, we can provide better interventions that promote lawful reintegration and sustainable peace,” she added.
During the discussions, participating agencies shared operational experiences and recommendations to improve coordination mechanisms, streamline legal processes, and enhance community-based support for individuals undergoing reintegration.
Stakeholders also underscored the importance of balancing security measures with rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts to help former rebels’ transition peacefully back into their communities.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of participating agencies’ commitment to continue working together to advance the objectives of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives across South Cotabato.
Through sustained collaboration, proactive coordination, and shared responsibility, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and its partner agencies remain steadfast in promoting inclusive development, lawful reintegration, and lasting peace for communities affected by insurgency and violent extremism.
