28 May, 2026 (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental) β The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Bacolod Secretariat paid a courtesy visit to the Negros Occidental City and Provincial Police Office, Bacolod City where they were warmly received by the NIR Regional Director, PBGen. Romano CardiΓ±o.
During the meeting, the Secretariat formally apprised PBGen. CardiΓ±o of his role as a member of the Local Amnesty Board and discussed the LAB Members mandate including expectations for its activities moving forward. The Secretariat also presented an update on the current status of amnesty applications received by LAB Bacolod.
PBGen. CardiΓ±o expressed his gratitude for the visit and conveyed his full support for the LABβs efforts in processing amnesty applications. He underscored the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the amnesty program beyond the granting of amnesty to former rebels emphasizing the need for long term reintegration initiatives. As part of this, PBGen. CardiΓ±o proposed the development of sustainability programs aimed at strengthening the longevity of the amnesty initiative. He highlighted the potential of producing media testimonials featuring successfully reintegrated former rebels to inspire FRs to return to the fold of the law, reintegrate into their communities, and reclaim their civil and political rights.
PBGen. CardiΓ±o further shared that, following discussions with the NTF-ELCAC, he remains committed to helping dispel the long held notion of the Negros Island Region as an βepicenterβ of insurgencies. He emphasized that through sustained collaboration, the region can foster lasting peace, stability, and inclusive development.
