Marawi City, Lanao del Sur — July 11, 2025 — In a bid to strengthen reintegration efforts and humanitarian support in Lanao del Sur, two prominent international organizations paid a courtesy visit to the Provincial Capitol today, engaging in strategic dialogue with local government officials and stakeholders.
Representatives from ACCEPT International and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) met with Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. and key provincial department heads to explore avenues for partnership in post-conflict recovery and assistance to communities affected by violence and armed conflict.
ACCEPT International, a Japan-based non-governmental organization advocating for peacebuilding through deradicalization and rehabilitation, was represented by Mukaide Yosuke of its International Projects Department. The organization focuses on empowering individuals—particularly former combatants and members of non-state armed groups—to reintegrate into society as peace advocates. ACCEPT has a global footprint, operating in conflict-affected countries including Somalia, Yemen, Indonesia, and Colombia.
During the meeting, Provincial Information Officer Salma Jayne Tamano shared the province’s reintegration initiatives, particularly those geared toward Former Violent Extremists (FVEs), whom the LGU now refers to as “returning friends.” She highlighted community-based programs aimed at healing and rebuilding lives disrupted by the 2017 Marawi siege.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), led by Officer-in-Charge Monaima Adiong, presented the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides psychosocial support, livelihood aid, and education to help former combatants transition back into civilian life.
Joining the discussion was Ricardo E. Torres Jr. of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who introduced a solar panel project aimed at powering select hospitals in Lanao del Sur. The initiative includes training for local personnel to maintain the equipment, contributing to energy resilience and sustainability in the province’s healthcare facilities.
The ICRC, represented by Sub-Delegation Head Rim Hajji, along with Alhusari Arba, Zhulieta Nikolova, and Omar Hadji Socor, also participated in the talks to present their ongoing humanitarian efforts. The ICRC emphasized its mission to protect and assist victims of armed conflict while promoting adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Governor Adiong welcomed both organizations’ interest in collaboration, noting that sustained partnerships with international stakeholders are crucial in achieving long-term peace and recovery in Lanao del Sur.
Also present were key officials from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), Lanao Peoples Park and Public Library, and Provincial Information Office (PIO), alongside interns from the Mindanao State University – English Department.
As discussions move forward, the Provincial Government hopes that these partnerships will result in expanded programs that address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reintegration goals—building a stronger, more resilient Lanao del Sur.