Makati city: In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s policy of promoting national security and community rehabilitation, government agencies on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) aimed at institutionalizing a collaborative Aftercare and Reintegration Program for released violent extremist offenders (VEOs) under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). In a ceremony at The Ascott, Glorietta 4, Makati City, state institutions formally signified their intention to work together through coordinated interventions in psychosocial support, livelihood development, spiritual guidance, and community reintegration.
According to Philippines News Agency, these efforts seek to prevent recidivism and violent re-engagement of former offenders by providing comprehensive support during and after their transition from correctional facilities back into society. The partnership encompasses the aftercare and reintegration process, covering development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs tailored to the needs of released VEOs.
The key components of the program include psychosocial and spiritual counseling, skills training and livelihood assistance, community integration and family reunification, peace education and counter-narrative programs, and monitoring and evaluation of reintegration outcomes. These components aim to provide mental health services, vocational skills, smooth family and community reentry, education against extremist ideologies, and continuous assessment of program effectiveness.
The MOA was signed by key figures, including Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., among others. Catapang highlighted that the program's initiatives focus on tailored support, extending from psychological care to vocational training, beginning prior to release and continuing through post-release monitoring.
Catapang also noted that the MOA established a Steering Committee as the primary decision-making and oversight body to ensure effective implementation of the program. A Technical Working Group will handle technical, operational, and coordination responsibilities under the policy direction of the Steering Committee.
He added that this collaborative effort marks a milestone in the government's commitment to long-term peace and security by addressing the complex challenges surrounding the reintegration of violent extremist offenders. Through shared responsibility and strategic intervention, stakeholders aim to contribute significantly to sustaining national stability and social harmony.
There are currently 166 persons deprived of liberty, mostly from the Abu Sayyaf Group categorized as VEO, with 162 being locals and four foreign nationals.
