COMMON VISION TOWARDS CONTINUED SUCCESS: Task Force Balik-Loob member agencies gathered in Camp Aguinaldo on Dec. 10, 2024 for an Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting to assess the 2024 implementation of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for former rebels and former violent extremists.
Member agencies of the Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) reaffirmed their commitment towards uplifting the welfare and well-being of former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists (FVEs) during an Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting on December 10, 2024 at the Ignacio Hall, OCSAAI Alumni Center, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The gathering sought to align efforts from various government agencies to ensure the continued successful implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other related initiatives.
Since its implementation in 2018, the E-CLIP program has achieved significant milestones in supporting former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists (FVEs) through whole-of-government efforts. According to a task force report validated by LTC Edward P. Dompol (INF) PA, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Peace and Development Office (AFPPDO) and PCOL Jesselito L. Castro of the Philippine National Police (PNP), a total of 27,474 individuals have surrendered between 2022 and 2024—comprising 26,161 former rebels and 1,313 former violent extremists. Additionally, the program has successfully facilitated the recovery of 2,736 high-powered firearms and 3,028 low-powered firearms.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mariel Encar Uy, E-CLIP Project Management Office (PMO) representative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that the program extended immediate assistance to 5,135 FRs and FVEs, livelihood assistance benefiting 3,287 individuals, and reintegration support for 4,849 beneficiaries. Furthermore, 1,383 firearms have been turned in as part of the program's reintegration efforts.
E-CLIP Implementers: Acting Executive Director Katherine B. Lingan of the Department of National Defense National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Management Office (DNEMO) says the Task Force Balik-Loob has evolved into a “family,” caring for and nurturing not just former rebels and former violent extremists but also their families.
Ms. Katherine B. Lingan, Acting Executive Director of the Department of National Defense (DND) National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Management Office (DNEMO) presided the meeting, on behalf of TFBL Chairperson Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon, DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development.
Ms. Lingan emphasized the significance of the TFBL's accomplishments and the importance of continued inter-agency collaboration. "I'm very, very happy that up to now, from the time you started the TFBL and the EO 70, you were able to show meaningful and passionate advocacy and participation and contribution towards the goal of Task Force Balik-Loob," she said.
The acting executive director also highlighted the role of inter-agency engagements as vital mechanisms to ensure a unified vision and strategic direction moving forward. "This inter-agency engagement that we are conducting on a regular basis is significant to strengthen our force, giving ourselves a common vision towards our continued success as we direct our paths to ensuring the direction of our respective programs," she noted.
Philippine Navy Captain Ferdinand C. Buscato (GSC), Acting TFBL Executive Director, echoed this sentiment and emphasized the broader impact of the program. "Together, we can create pathways for healing, understanding, and opportunity. Your generous contributions are not just financial support, health assistance, nor educational and skills training; they are the seeds of hope that will empower former rebels to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to their communities," he emphasized.
The TFBL remains steadfast in its commitment to providing FRs and FVEs with opportunities for social reintegration, self-reliance and empowerment, transforming them into vital partners for inclusive peace and sustainable development.
# # #
