08 January, 2026 (Mapanas, Northern Samar) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, issued 20 Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to β€œfriends rescued” (FRs) who had previously submitted amnesty applications. The distribution ceremony was held at the 78th Infantry “Warrior” Battalion headquarters in Barangay Siljagon.

An SCP is a critical document issued by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to applicants who are not currently in detention. It guarantees their safe passage while their applications undergo review by the President, providing legal protection unless revoked by the Commission.

The LAB Secretariat was joined by Colonel Ericson Rosana (Deputy Brigade Commander of the 803rd Brigade), Lieutenant Colonel Francis Rosales (Commander of the 78th Infantry Battalion), Police Captain Marco Estillero (Acting Chief of Police of Mapanas), and Hon. Luckie Longcop (Sanguniang Bayan Member/Committee on Peace and Order).

Prior to the distribution, the LAB Secretariat conducted a detailed briefing on SCP guidelines. During the event, LTC Rosales reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting FRs in their transition. Councilor Longcop also shared a message from Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano, promising that local government programs would be provided equally to all residents, including FRs. He encouraged the FRs to have hope in these initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Col Rosana stated that while the government is not perfect, it is doing its best to deliver basic services, underscoring that there is no reason to join the underground movement.

Following the ceremonial issuance of the passes, fifteen FRs filed amnesty applications and took their Oath of Allegiance before Atty. Marc Aleh Morallos of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). The application intake was facilitated with the assistance of the Special Project Team (SPT) from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

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