23 January, 2026 (San Jose De Buan, Samar) – In line with its commitment to reconciliation, the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, issued 18 Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to “friends rescued” (FRs) who had previously submitted amnesty applications. The distribution ceremony was held at the 87th Infantry “Hinirang” Battalion headquarters in Poblacion 2, led by Lieutenant Colonel Kim Ilao.

An SCP, issued by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), guarantees safe passage and legal protection for applicants not in detention while their applications undergo review by the President. Before the ceremony, the LAB Secretariat briefed recipients on the SCP’s guidelines and responsibilities.

Following the event, three additional FRs formally filed their amnesty applications and took their Oath of Allegiance before lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office, including Atty. Benedict C. Balberia, Atty. Fil Kristian B. Plimaco, and Atty. Albert B. Baclea-an.

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