Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – Today, two organizations visited the provincial capitol to discuss potential support for the province’s reintegration programs as well as humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. The ACCEPT International was represented by Mukaide Yosuke, a focal person from the International Project department of the organization. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was represented by the Head of Sub-Delegation Rim Hajji, Advisor to the Head Alhusari Arba, Protection Delegate Zhulieta Nikolova, and Protection Field Officer Omar Hadji Socor.

The assembly for discussion was graced by Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., Provincial Information Officer Salma Jayne Tamano, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Pili Papandayan, Lanao Peoples Park and Public Library Superintendent Maharlanny Alonto, Provincial Engineer’s Office Head Engr. Dimasira D. Macabando Jr., Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Officer-in-Charge Monaima Adiong, SWO-II Asniah S. Macapanton, SWO-I Sahaniya B. Minantara, and UNDP representative Ricardo E. Torres Jr.

The ACCEPT International, is a non-governmental organization (NGO) headquartered in Japan, aims to create a society free from terrorism and armed conflict. The organization focuses on empowering individuals to become agents of peace, promoting deradicalization, reintegration, and rehabilitation of combatants, gang members, defectors, prisoners, and detainees from non-state armed groups, particularly those involved in violent extremism. Its efforts span regions such as Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Indonesia, Colombia, and Palestine. Originally founded as the Japan Somalia Youth Organization in 2011 at Waseda University, the organization was renamed Accept International in 2017 to emphasize the principle of acceptance over exclusion. It holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

During the meeting, Ms. Tamano outlined the reintegration programs implemented in the province following the siege, as well as ongoing initiatives for Former Violent Extremists (FVEs), referred to as “returning friends.” The PSWDO provided a detailed explanation of their programs, including the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), designed to facilitate the reintegration of former combatants into society.

Mr. Torres then presented the UNDP’s solar panel project, which aims to support select hospitals in Lanao del Sur. He highlighted the training that will be provided to ensure that personnel responsible for operating the solar panels will possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

Guided by a shared vision, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also visited the provincial capitol to discuss their current humanitarian assistance and programs and negotiate the possibilities of working with the PLGU-LdS.

The ICRC is a humanitarian organization dedicated to foster understanding and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) by emphasizing the responsibilities of all conflict parties under these regulations. They collaborate with governmental bodies to incorporate IHL into national legislation and military frameworks to improve adherence to international legal standards.

Also in attendance were staff from PENRO, PEO, and the PIO, including interns from Mindanao State University, English Department.