The 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army cited the need for a halfway house here to strengthen the implementation of the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (ECLIP).
During the 3rd quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC), Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), and Provincial Anti-Drugs Abuse Council (PADAC), 103rd Infantry Brigade’s LtCol. Jo Anthony Lee Lalas conveyed the unit’s recommendation for the construction of a halfway house to cater to returnees from the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group and communist terrorist group.
A halfway house is a temporary shelter for rebel returnees while they transition back to society.
LtCol. Lalas also relayed the brigade’s assessment for the operationalization programs and services for the halfway house, including the reintegration plan, ECLIP processing, admission, interventions, and integration of the former violent extremists (FVEs) or former rebels (FRs) in the localities.
The interventions, he said, should consist of deradicalization counseling sessions, psychological evaluation, and psychiatric treatment, stress debriefing sessions, team building workshops, spiritual and religious enhancement or enrichment, sports development, educational services, health services, and skills training programs that will help the FVEs and FRs get ready to be integrated to the society.
The brigade earlier reported an increasing number of returnees from both lawless elements due to the pressures and hardships brought about by the continued combat operations of the army. The active participation and encouragement of the rebels’ immediate families to return to normal living conditions also contributed to this.
Accordingly, the remaining members of the terrorist groups dispersed into a small group and continue to evade government troops to preserve their forces. Some have returned to their families on 'lie low' status.
LtCol. Lalas assured that the Army remains vigilant as the remaining members may conduct atrocities towards vital installations and populated areas, as well as government forces, especially community support program teams deployed in different parts of the province, at any opportune time.
In response, Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said the provincial government has already identified the site for construction of the halfway house. But they are still waiting for the ‘go signal’ from the Commission on Audit to commence the construction.
He said the provincial COVID-19 isolation facility can be used as a halfway house in the meantime. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
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