22 January, 2026 (Basey, Samar) – In A significant step toward local peace and reconciliation, the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, issued 53 Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to “friends rescued” (FRs) during a ceremony at the 63rd Infantry “Innovator” Battalion headquarters in Barangay Guirang.

The event was held under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James Rosalejos, Commanding Officer of the 63IB. The distribution of the SCPs—vital documents issued by the National Amnesty Commission—provides legal protection and guarantees safe passage for applicants while their amnesty applications are pending review by the President.

Before the ceremonial handover, the LAB Secretariat conducted a detailed briefing to ensure recipients understood the guidelines and legal boundaries of their passes. The activity was supported by local law enforcement, represented by Police Captain Irene Velarde, Chief of Police of MPS Basey.

The momentum continued following the ceremony as two additional FRs formally filed their amnesty applications. They took their Oath of Allegiance before Atty. Sheena May D. Tejano-Vallecera of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), signaling their commitment to reintegrating into mainstream society.

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