Task Force Balik-Loob Chair Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu presides over the E-CLIP Implementation Assessment meeting held at the AFP Western Mindanao Command Headquarters in Zamboanga City on 22 March 2022.

Task Force Balik-Loob Chair and Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu enjoined local chief executives and implementing agencies of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to converge and remove barriers in the reintegration of former violent extremists (FVEs) to mainstream society.

"We all want peace. Local governments are key not only in successfully implementing the program but in attaining overall peace in their communities," said Usec. Mapagu during the E-CLIP Implementation Assessment and Status Updating Meeting held on 22 March 2022, hosted by LTGEN Alfredo V Rosario Jr PA, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WMC) in Zamboanga City.

"Sana alisin na natin ang balakid upang ganap nating maipadama ang sinseridad ng pamahalaan para sa tuluyang pagbabalik-loob ng ating mga kababayan," the TFBL Chair said.

Joint Task Force (JTF) Zampelan reported that 411 former rebels (FRs) and FVEs have surrendered in the JTF's area of operations from 2016 to present. These rebel returnees have been enrolled or are being processed to receive various assistance under E-CLIP.

In a separate conference held at the 11th Infantry Division Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on the same day, JTF Sulu reported the progress of the Bangsamoro Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict in bringing community development programs to counter local terrorist groups in Mindanao. However, challenges in translating the national reintegration program to the peculiarities of the Bangsamoro region remain.

"The local government units should consider filling in the gaps observed in the programs of the national government for the reintegration of our brothers and sisters," Usec. Mapagu said, emphasizing that monthly meetings of E-CLIP Committees should be held for regular updating and assessment. "During meetings such as these, issues are threshed out and we find ways to resolve them." 

"Let us insulate this program from politics because we are all stakeholders of peace. We should not leave our former rebels and FVEs behind," Usec. Mapagu noted.