MANILA — Several government agencies formalized a joint effort to support the reintegration of former violent extremist offenders, signing a memorandum of agreement to institutionalize an aftercare program for individuals released from custody of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at a hotel in Makati City, bringing together multiple state institutions to coordinate interventions ranging from psychosocial services to livelihood support and community reintegration.

The program aims to reduce the risk of reoffending by providing structured assistance before and after the release of violent extremist offenders, including mental health support, skills training, family reintegration, and counter-extremism education.

Signatories included officials from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Bangsamoro regional government, among others.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the initiative is designed to provide continuous support to former offenders as they transition back into society.

“This comprehensive approach begins prior to release and continues through post-release monitoring, effectively bridging the gap between custody and community,” he said.

Under the agreement, agencies will jointly oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of reintegration programs tailored to the needs of former offenders. Key components include psychosocial and spiritual counseling, livelihood and skills training, community reintegration, peace education, and ongoing monitoring of outcomes.

Catapang said the agreement also establishes a steering committee that will serve as the main oversight body, alongside a technical working group that will handle operational and coordination tasks.

He added that the initiative represents a coordinated government approach to addressing the long-term challenges of reintegrating violent extremist offenders, with the goal of promoting public safety and social stability.

Data from BuCor showed that 166 persons deprived of liberty are classified as violent extremist offenders, most of whom are linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group. Of this number, 162 are Filipino nationals while four are foreigners.

Other officials present during the signing included representatives from the Department of Justice, international partners, and BuCor officials involved in countering violent extremism programs.