22-23 October 2025 (Matuguinao, Samar) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, in collaboration with the 43rd Infantry “We Search” Battalion and led by Municipal Mayor Aran Boller, held a two-day orientation and intake session for 116 friends rescued (FRs) in Barangay Mabuligon, Matuguinao, Samar.

Second Lieutenant Mariel Andrea Marcos and her team, representing Battalion Commander LTC Jason P. Que, assisted the applicants with their Custodial Debriefing Reports. Ms. Imelda C. Bonifacio, Program Manager of OPAPRU AMU Eastern Visayas, discussed the OPAPRU projects for the people of Matuguinao, with a particular focus on the road connecting Las Navas and Matuguinao. She also spoke about the government projects for the FRs and offered the Special Project Team (SPT) from OPAPRU, who are also FRs, to help the LAB Secretariat process the FR’s applications.

The LAB Secretariat discussed the government’s amnesty program, detailing the process from application until submission to the Office of the President. The team also outlined the specific crimes that are covered and those that are not covered. During the first day, 82 FRs submitted their applications. The intake lasted until two in the morning (2am), making it the longest amnesty intake ever conducted by LAB Catbalogan. This demonstrates the team’s dedication and the applicants’ genuine desire to clear their name and contribute to the government’s peace goal. The following day, 34 FRs submitted their applications, bringing the total number of applicants to 116.

All FRs took their oath before lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Atty. Cheska Marie D. Geli and Atty. Nancy Faye B. Bernardo. Both PAO lawyers ensured that the FRs fully understood the oath of allegiance. This initiative by the Local Government of Matuguinao reflects its commitment to ending insurgency in the municipality and providing a path for FRs to reintegrate into mainstream society.

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